TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy on Oct 30th, announced that Kate McDonnell, currently serving as Deputy Commissioner for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, will be his next Chief Counsel. McDonnell will assume the role in mid-November following the departure of Parimal Garg, who is leaving to pursue an opportunity in private practice.

“I am thrilled to welcome Kate McDonnell back to the Governor’s Office as my new Chief Counsel,” said Governor Murphy. “Her decades of service to the Garden State and her strong background in public policy demonstrate the ideal skillset to excel in this role. I look forward to working alongside Kate as we continue working to advance the goals of our Administration and build a stronger, fairer New Jersey.”

“I want to thank Governor Murphy for his confidence in me, and for giving me the opportunity to serve as his next Chief Counsel,” said incoming Chief Counsel Kate McDonnell. “I would also like to thank Parimal Garg for his valuable support over the years and through this transition. I look forward to returning to the Governor’s Office and continuing to build upon the great work and tremendous accomplishments of the Murphy Administration.”

"I served with Kate McDonnell in the Governor's Counsel's Office for five years, and continued to work with her as she assumed senior roles in the Attorney General's Office and the Department of Community Affairs," said outgoing Chief Counsel Parimal Garg. "Kate is brilliant, deeply versed in public policy, and the consummate team player. Her entire career has been dedicated to public service and her contributions to this state are already immeasurable. I know Kate will do an outstanding job as Governor Murphy's chief counsel and solidify the Murphy Administration's legacy of historic achievements."

Kate McDonnell first began her career in public service in 2006, serving the New Jersey Assembly Democratic Office for nearly 12 years, including nine years as General Counsel under Speakers Joe Roberts, Sheila Oliver, and Vincent Prieto.

Following Governor Murphy’s inauguration in 2018, McDonnell served for nearly five years as his Deputy Chief Counsel and then later Senior Deputy Chief Counsel.

In November 2022, McDonnell took on the role of Chief Counsel to New Jersey’s Attorney General Matt Platkin. In January 2024, McDonnell moved to the Department of Community Affairs to serve as Deputy Commissioner under Commissioner Jacquelyn Suarez.

McDonnell received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Notre Dame, magna *** laude, and earned her Juris Doctor from Rutgers School of Law, Camden. She also holds a Master's degree from Rutgers New Brunswick's Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy.