Murphy names Guhl-Sadovy NJBPU president

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Gov. Phil Murphy announced the appointment of Christine Guhl-Sadovy as president of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) Monday afternoon, succeeding the late Joseph Fiordaliso following his sudden and tragic passing last week at age 78.

Since Guhl-Sadovy is a current NJBPU commissioner, the governor can appoint her to fill Fiordaliso’s role without a Senate confirmation process.

Murphy nominated Guhl-Sadovy as a commissioner in June. Prior to that, she served as cabinet secretary as part of the governor’s senior staff.

A Lambertville resident, Guhl-Sadovy previously worked at the NJBPU – rising to the position of chief of staff under Fiordaliso and playing a big role in Murphy’s clean energy agenda.

In a statement announcing the appointment, Murphy reflected on Fiordaliso’s exemplary public service record and contributions as he expressed his confidence in Guhl-Sadovy to continue those efforts.

“As NJBPU President, Joe remained steadfast in his unwavering belief that we not only can – but must – cultivate a healthier and more sustainable planet for our children and grandchildren,” said Murphy. “I’m confident that Christine, who has demonstrated her commitment to these same values time and time again throughout her invaluable service in my administration, will continue to build upon Joe’s lasting legacy. I look forward to Christine guiding our work to responsibly transition New Jersey to a clean energy economy, while putting the needs of consumers and New Jerseyans first.”

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend Joe Fiordaliso but will do everything I can to honor his legacy as BPU President,” said Guhl-Sadovy. “Thank you to Governor Murphy for entrusting me with this responsibility. I look forward to continuing to serve the people of New Jersey in this role, and making the planet healthier for my son, Joe’s grandchildren, and all New Jerseyans.”

Her selection was applauded by the Fiordaliso family.

“The appointment of Christine Guhl-Sadovy honors Dad’s legacy and ensures that the Murphy Administration’s critically important work to reverse the worst effects of climate change continues,” said Joseph Fiordaliso, the late NJBPU president’s son. “On behalf of the entire Fiordaliso family, I commend Gov. Murphy for this appointment and extend our best wishes to Christine and the entire NJBPU team.”

Guhl-Sadovy becomes the fourth woman to serve in this role.

She takes the helm as the NJBPU still reels from and mourns the loss of Fiordaliso.

“President Fiordaliso’s decades-long career in public service included 17 years at the NJBPU, serving as President for the last five years. He was a dedicated and beloved public servant whose leadership fostered a culture of innovation and accountability at the Board of Public Utilities, all while treating his BPU employees as though they were his extended family,” the NJBPU said in a Sept. 7 statement. “He devoted his life to public service, putting his concern for New Jersey’s residents and ratepayers first. President Fiordaliso led the most robust development of clean energy in New Jersey’s history, worked to maintain the affordability and reliability of our energy systems, and expanded access to essential services like clean water and broadband. His devotion to expanding clean energy in New Jersey was rooted in ensuring a better future for his children and grandchildren. We extend our gratitude to his wife Marilyn, children Dana and Joe, and his six cherished grandchildren for sharing their Papa Joe with the State of New Jersey.”

“President Fiordaliso’s legacy will be the undeniable impact of his work and the lives he touched at the BPU and in New Jersey,” the statement closed.