Official Site of The State of New Jersey

Rob Asaro-Angelo, Commissioner

Robert Asaro-Angelo (Uh-SAR-oh ANN-juh-lo) was nominated by Governor Phil Murphy to serve as the Commissioner of the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development in January 2018.

As Commissioner, Asaro-Angelo is proud to oversee the state’s diverse services to New Jersey workers. Due in part to the innovation he has spearheaded in New Jersey, in February, 2021, Asaro-Angelo was chosen by his counterparts across the nation as the Board Chair of the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) for the 2021 association year.

From 2010 – 2017, Asaro-Angelo served as Eastern Regional Representative for the U.S. Department of Labor under the Obama Administration, managing the department’s regional activities and coordinating federal initiatives on the regional, state, and local levels.

Prior to his government service, Commissioner Asaro-Angelo worked for the Laborers International Union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and the Service Employees International Union Local 1115 organizing and educating public employees, construction workers and nursing home employees about government and politics.

Asaro-Angelo earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Boston University and a master’s in Public Policy from the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University.

A proud, life-long New Jerseyan, he lives in Middlesex County with his family.

Paul Yuen, Deputy Commissioner

Paul Yuen was named Deputy Commissioner of the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development in January 2018, with more than 30+ years of diverse experience within the department.

As Deputy Commissioner, Yuen oversees many of the department’s program areas including the Board of Review, Employment Accessibility Services, Income Security (IC), Research and Information, and Workforce Development. These programs receive funding from myriad sources including federal and state government, as well as trust funds. In addition, the program area’s under this office account for well over half of the department’s staff. Throughout his career in Labor, Yuen has worked with every program area/division in the department. In his tenure, he has served as a Senior Policy Advisor to one commissioner and four deputy commissioners.

Yuen is proud to have served as a founding member of the NJ Cooperative Disability Investigative Unit – a federal and state antifraud taskforce for the Social Security Administration and the NJ Division of Disability Determination Services.

Since 2007, Yuen has represented the department and executive leadership on the NJ Economic Development Authority’s Loan and Incentives Committees, the NJ Redevelopment Authority and the NJ Urban Enterprise Zone, the Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy and continues to play a significant role in updating the Unemployment Insurance modernization system and other modernization efforts under his purview within the department.

Yuen is a two-time graduate of Rutgers University; he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biological Science and Economics, and an Executive Master’s degree in Public Administration.

Julie Diaz, Chief of Staff

Julie Diaz was named Chief of Staff of the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development in January 2018, backed by a long career of service to workers in the Garden State.

As Chief of Staff, Diaz manages the day-to-day operations of the department and oversees staff responsible for procurement, legislative and regulatory affairs, communications, information technology, and administrative matters.

Her experience in political endeavors began with a grassroots campaign for then Senator Barack Obama. Diaz’s dedication to public service includes the role of Outreach Coordinator in the Office of Governor Jon Corzine, and Chief of Staff to a New Jersey State Legislator. She has also served on various coalitions and boards that promote protections for immigrants, women’s’ equality and worker protections.

From 2014 - 2018, Diaz was proud to serve as New Jersey Political Director for Local 32BJ SEIU (Service Employees International Union) – the largest property services union in the country. Her collaborative approach to outreach served her well as a strategist and principal liaison between Federal, State and local officials, as well as labor and civic organizations throughout New Jersey. This experience helped promote progressive legislation that benefited thousands of workers.

Diaz holds an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Middlesex County College.

Administrative Services and Procurement

Gary Karr, Assistant Commissioner

Administrative Services oversees facility management and maintenance, internal procurement and emergency management processes.

Employment Accessibility Services

Charyl Yarbrough, Assistant Commissioner

Finance and Accounting

Gordon Horvath, Chief Financial Officer

Finance and Accounting is responsible for the Department’s internal financial systems and support.

Human Capital Strategies

Tennille McCoy, Assistant Commissioner

Human Capital Strategies oversees departmental human resources services, equal opportunity, and the Office of Diversity and Compliance.

Income Security

Ronald Marino, Assistant Commissioner

 609-292-7586

Income Security oversees public-facing services including Disability Determination Services, Fraud Prevention and Risk Management, Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance, Unemployment Insurance, and Employer Accounts.

Information Technology

Sharon Pagano, Assistant Commissioner/Chief Information Officer

Information Technology oversees the technology and systems infrastructure that services the Department.

Office of Research and Information

Lesley Hirsch, Assistant Commissioner

 609-292-2643

Research and Information manages the department’s labor market and demographic research, and oversees the Office of Performance Accountability, and workforce research and analytics.

Public Safety and Occupational Safety and Health

 609-292-0501

The Division of Public Safety and Occupational Safety and Health enforces laws and regulations that provide for safe and healthful working conditions throughout New Jersey's public and private sector.

Wage and Hour Compliance

Joseph Petrecca, Assistant Commissioner (Wage and Hour Compliance)

 609-292-2313

The Division of Wage and Hour Compliance enforces labor laws that address conditions of employment and the method and manner of payment of wages.

Workers’ Compensation

Russell Wojtenko, Jr., Director and Chief Judge

 609-292-2414

Workers' compensation provides medical treatment, wage replacement and permanent disability compensation to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses, and death benefits to dependents of workers who have died as a result of their employment.

Workforce Development

Hugh Bailey, Assistant Commissioner

 609-292-2000

The Division of Workforce Development is responsible for New Jersey’s workforce services, including vocational rehabilitation services, veteran’s services, and more.