TRENTON, NJ – Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill has announced her choice of Aaron Binder to serve as New Jersey's next State Treasurer and head of the Department of the Treasury. In this capacity, Binder will oversee New Jersey’s multi-billion-dollar budget, taxation, pensions, and investments, and manage a department of over 3,000 employees.

“New Jersey needs an experienced leader in the Treasury Department as we face extraordinary challenges from the Trump administration," said Sherrill. “That’s why I am excited to nominate Aaron Binder as our next Treasurer.”

“Together, we will ensure that New Jerseyans’ tax dollars are being spent wisely, continue to fully fund our pension system, and work to invest in the programs that help families make ends meet. I look forward to working with Aaron to make smart financial decisions that lower costs and support our state’s economy," Sherrill added.

Under Governor Murphy and Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio, Binder has served as Deputy Treasurer overseeing the Office of Management and Budget, Office of Revenue and Economic Analysis, the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services and the Division of Taxation.

“During my time as Deputy Treasurer, I am proud to have worked on critical efforts to lower costs for New Jerseyans, like funding the pension system and implementing property relief tax programs to lower the cost of renting or owning a home,” said Binder. “I look forward to working with the Governor-elect to continue building fiscally responsible budgets that invest in the future of our state, lowers costs for families, and ensure that New Jerseyans’ tax dollars are being spent wisely, efficiently and are invested in the areas that matter most.”

The selection has been praised by lawmakers as representatives of the business community.

New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA) President and CEO Michele Siekerka noted that the organization has worked with Binder on tax legislation over recent years.

“Aaron is proven to be extremely capable of being the lead administrator of the state’s finances, with a deep knowledge and ideas on how to put the state’s best fiscal foot forward. We look forward to continuing to work with Aaron in his new capacity and we congratulate him and the incoming Sherrill administration on this excellent appointment" said Sierkerka.

Senator Paul Sarlo, Chair of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, called the choice a “wise selection.”

“Aaron Binder is a highly skilled fiscal expert. He possesses the experience, knowledge, and sound judgement to serve as New Jersey's chief financial official. His experience in the executive and legislative branches of state government will be an invaluable asset,” said Sarlo. "We will confront serious economic and fiscal challenges ahead that will require an effective partnership between the new Sherrill Administration and the Legislature. The trusting working relationship that I have already developed with Aaron will help us manage state finances, contend with economic tailwinds and federal cutbacks, and protect the taxpayers. I am confident that we will build upon this alliance to best serve the residents of New Jersey."

Burlington County State Senator Troy Singleton noted that he has known Binder personally for more than 20 years also praised the nomination as an “outstanding choice.”

“There’s no one brighter, harder-working, or more uniquely qualified to steward our state’s finances. Aaron is not only a dear friend, but a former colleague from our days working in the Assembly. Having worked with him closely, I’ve seen firsthand his deep understanding of budgets and public policy, and their real-life impact on the people and communities we represent,” said Singleton. "Governor-elect Sherrill’s nomination of my former ‘Golden Dome Softball League’ teammate is a true ‘home run’ – she couldn’t have made a better pick, and I look forward to working with him in this new capacity.

Prior to serving in the Murphy Administration, Binder served in the New Jersey Assembly Majority Office (AMO) for 16 years during which time he served as part of the leadership team, including six years as the Deputy Executive Director and aide to the Assembly Budget Committee. He played a key role in the State budget negotiations, and led multiple key policy issues, including public employee pension & benefits, banking and insurance, transportation, and health care. Earlier in his career, he served in financial roles for Congreso De Latinos Unidos, Amtrak, and the City of Philadelphia.

Binder, and other Sherrill Administration officials, must be confirmed by the State Senate.

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