Mercer Times

Governor Phil Murphy has announced the appointment of Margo Chaly as the new Executive Director of New Jersey's Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA). Chaly, who has been serving as HESAA's Chief of Staff since February 2021, will succeed David Socolow, who has led the Authority since February 2018.

Expressing gratitude for Socolow's leadership, Governor Murphy stated, "I want to extend my deepest thanks to David Socolow for his successful leadership of the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority for more than six years." Governor Murphy also expressed confidence in Chaly, stating, "Margo's prior experience as Chief of Staff makes her well qualified for this position... I am confident that she is poised to build on HESAA's progress."

David Socolow, the outgoing Executive Director of HESAA, expressed pride in the achievements made during his tenure, stating, "I know that HESAA will be in good hands with Margo Chaly as Executive Director. I wish her the best as she leads HESAA's dedicated staff in delivering valuable support to the people of our state."

In response to her appointment, Margo Chaly remarked, "I am extraordinarily thankful to Governor Murphy for this chance to lead HESAA's dynamic team to help even more New Jerseyans achieve their dreams."

Chaly's role as Chief of Staff over the past three years has been instrumental in advancing Governor Murphy's affordability agenda, including various initiatives aimed at making higher education more accessible and affordable for New Jersey residents.

In her previous role, Chaly oversaw significant operational enhancements and capacity upgrades within HESAA to support the expansion of programs and services for New Jersey students pursuing education after high school.

Prior to joining Governor Murphy's Administration, Chaly worked in the legal and insurance sectors, holding a Juris Doctor from Seton Hall University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts from Ithaca College. As a first-generation Guatemalan-American and lifelong New Jersey resident, Chaly brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her new role as Executive Director of HESAA.