David J. Socolow, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, leads a staff of 3,700 public servants dedicated to promoting economic growth, job creation and providing crucial services to the workers and employers of the state.
The department works to further the development of the state’s world-class workforce through the statewide One-Stop Career Center system; provides almost $3 billion per year in vital income security to workers who are unemployed or unable to work due to illness, accident, or injury; equitably enforces New Jersey’s labor laws and standards; analyzes the state’s labor market and demographic information; helps disabled individuals succeed in the workplace, and protects the health and safety of workers on the job.
Governor Jon S. Corzine appointed Mr. Socolow as Acting Commissioner on January 17, 2006. Mr. Socolow was confirmed by the Senate as Commissioner on June 30, 2006.
Prior to his appointment, Socolow had served as the department’s Director of Unemployment Insurance since 2002. During that time he directed a staff of more than 1,000 workers and promoted initiatives to make New Jersey’s unemployment insurance system more responsive while improving customer service using advanced technology. Under Socolow’s direction, New Jersey eliminated the waiting week for unemployment insurance benefits and implemented automatic filing for federal extended benefits. Today, the Department is continuing the technology project that Socolow initiated.
He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and his Master’s degree in Public Administration from Rutgers University. Mr. Socolow was raised in central New Jersey and currently resides in Moorestown with his wife and two children.
