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The basics:

• William Castner named executive vice president, general counsel at Rutgers
• Brings legal experience from state government and private sector
• Served as chief counsel to former Gov. Corzine, advisor to Gov. Murphy
• Follows interim general counsel John Farmer, now retiring

Rutgers University named a new executive vice president of legal affairs and general counsel.

In a July 1 press release, the university announced its board of governors confirmed the appointment of William Castner to the roles, effective immediately.

Castner succeeds John Farmer, who became interim general counsel last year after John Jay Hoffman was tapped to serve as a justice on the New Jersey Supreme Court. Following a national search, Rutgers said it selected Castner for his extensive experience in both public and private practice.

Past experience

His leadership posts in state government include chief counsel to former Gov. Jon Corzine and senior advisor on firearms to Gov. Phil Murphy. Castner also served as commissioner on the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation.

Within the private sector, his positions have included director of Newark-based law firm Gibbons PC as well as senior vice president of corporate and regulatory affairs at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. Most recently, he served as chair of regulatory affairs and compliance at Connell Foley LLP.

After earning a bachelor’s degree from Rowan University, Castner earned a master’s degree from the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University-New Brunswick and a J.D. from the Rutgers School of Law in Camden. His resume also includes working as general counsel to the New Jersey General Assembly and later executive director. In 2010, Castner was chief counsel to the Democratic members of the Apportionment Commission, as well as the Redistricting Commission.

Commenting on his new role, Castner said, “I am honored to join Rutgers as general counsel and look forward to working with President Tate, the governing boards and the university community to support Rutgers’ mission of education, research and public service. As a proud alum of Rutgers, I hope to promote and protect the important work of the university and its students.”

‘Forward-thinking counsel’

Newly installed university President William Tate IV said Castner’s “impressive experience, deep commitment to public service and stellar reputation in the legal field make him the ideal candidate for this critical role at Rutgers.”

“His vision and mature perspective about higher education and the law will help Rutgers University navigate the contours of public policy and the academy,” said Tate. He also noted the elevation of the position’s title “from senior vice president in recognition of the increasingly critical work this position conducts within the university.”

Rutgers Board of Governors Chair Amy Towers added, “Bill’s extraordinary breadth of legal experience – spanning government, private practice and strategic advisory roles – bring invaluable perspective to Rutgers at a pivotal time for higher education. His deep commitment to public service, sharp legal insight and nuanced understanding of New Jersey’s legal and policy landscape make him a vital addition to our university.”

Towers said the board is confident Castner “will provide wise and forward-thinking counsel as we advance Rutgers’ mission and values in the years ahead.”

Tate also thanked Farmer for his service as acting general counsel. According to Rutgers, Farmer is retiring after holding various leadership roles over the years at the university, including Rutgers Law School dean, university general counsel, director of the Eagleton Institute of Politics, and director of the Miller Center for Community Protection and Resilience.