Rutgers taps Quigley to lead government relations

The basics:

• Rutgers appoints Brian Quigley senior vice president of government relations
• Role focuses on engagement with policymakers in New Jersey & Washington
• Quigley previously served as vice president for government affairs at Prudential
• Also served as deputy executive director, general counsel for New Jersey Assembly Majority Office

Rutgers University has named Brian Quigley as senior vice president of government relations, the school announced March 19.

Quigley will lead engagement with policymakers in New Jersey and Washington, beginning March 23.

A Rutgers Law School graduate and former Eagleton Institute fellow, Quigley returns to the university with deep institutional ties and extensive experience across both government and the private sector. He most recently served as vice president for government affairs at Prudential.

During his time at the Newark-based company, he oversaw legislative and regulatory strategy, strengthening Pru’s relationships with state and federal officials. He also previously held a senior role with the New Jersey Assembly Majority Office as deputy executive director and general counsel. In Trenton, he advised leadership on complex policy issues and helped guide major legislative initiatives.

In addition, Quigley is active in the nonprofit and public interest space. He serves on several boards including Choose New Jersey, the New Jersey Life and Health Guaranty Association and the New Jersey–Ireland Trade Commission.

Leadership support

Rutgers President William Tate IV emphasized Quigley’s leadership and experience.

“Brian brings a reputation for strategic insight, collaborative leadership, and a deep commitment to strengthening New Jersey’s public institutions, economic vitality and the higher education ecosystem,” Tate said. “I look forward to working closely with him to build on Rutgers’ strong relationships with government leaders and to further elevate the university’s impact as The State University of New Jersey.”

Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, D-19th District, highlighted his public service background as well as the importance of the role.

“During his time as general counsel to the Majority Office, Brian served with a steady presence and was a principled voice on behalf of the people of New Jersey,” said Coughlin. “He approached the role with deep reverence for the responsibility that came with the job, taking not long to recognize the impact our work has on the families and communities across our state.”

Coughlin continued, “Rutgers is not only our state university, it is one of the most powerful economic engines in New Jersey and the cornerstone of our innovation economy, driving cutting-edge research and creating opportunity across our region. Having a person of Brian Quigley’s caliber helping guide its government relations efforts will only strengthen that mission and position the university for great things in the years to come.”

Ready to go

Quigley said he is eager to step into the role and support the university’s mission.

“I’m thrilled to join President Tate and the Rutgers community in representing Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey – an institution that for more than two and a half centuries has shaped New Jersey’s history and continues to power its future,” he said. “Few institutions are as deeply woven into the daily life of this state. Rutgers drives research, opportunity and economic mobility in every region of New Jersey, and I’m eager to work with partners across the state to advance a mission that matters deeply to the communities it serves.”