Wayne Woman Nominated As Secretary Of State By Governor-Elect

WAYNE, NJ — A township woman and former Passaic County freeholder has been nominated as secretary of state.

Governor-elect Phil Murphy nominated Tahesha Way, a former administrative law judge, for the position Monday.

"There are few positions in my cabinet where the twin goals of building a stronger and fairer economy intersect more than that of secretary of state,” Murphy said in a statement. "It requires a leader who understands both business and law, who respects the vast cultures which make our state a melting pot, and who has the tested leadership skills necessary for guiding a department with such broad and varied mandates."

The Department of State oversees a variety of agencies, including the Division of Elections, and all state historic and cultural commission. The position, along with the attorney general, is one of two posts that are written into the New Jersey Constitution.

Way said she was "humbled" by the nomination.

"I look forward to working with Governor-elect Murphy’s administration to expand access to democracy for all residents, bolster New Jersey’s tourism industry, and strengthen our international partnerships, all while embracing our state’s rich history," Way said in a statement. "I thank governor-elect Murphy both for this incredible honor and for the opportunity to serve alongside the talented, diverse group of cabinet members he is assembling to build a stronger, fairer New Jersey.”

Way has a bachelor's degree from Brown University and is a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law. Previously she was an associate at the general practice law firm of Steven A. Varano in Totowa. She was also an adjunct English professor at and taught administrative law and practice Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck.

Way is currently special counsel for the Passaic County Board of Social Services. She was an administrative law judge for five years.

Way was appointed to the Freeholder Board in July 2006 and was elected to a full term that November. She was named deputy freeholder director in 2008 and director in 2009.

Way is married with four daughters.

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Photo: The New Jersey Statehouse/Via Flickr.com, used with permission via Creative Commons license