Governor Phil Murphy

Governor Murphy Nominates Kevin D. Walsh as New Jersey State Comptroller

01/23/2020

NEWARK – Governor Phil Murphy today announced the nomination of Kevin D. Walsh, Esq. to serve as the fourth New Jersey State Comptroller. Walsh’s nomination is subject to advice and consent by the Senate and is for a six-year term. He will begin serving as Acting Comptroller on Monday, January 27.

“As a dedicated public interest attorney, Kevin’s independent and thorough judgement make him an ideal fit to stand up for New Jersey taxpayers as our next State Comptroller,” said Governor Murphy. “Kevin has a proven track record of fighting for civil rights and government accountability, regardless of politics or pressure. I will ask Kevin to continue to uphold the Comptroller Office’s reputation of demonstrating independence of thought and independence of action on behalf of all New Jerseyans.”

“I am deeply honored to be nominated to this important position by Governor Murphy and thank him for his confidence in me,” said Kevin Walsh, Esq. “I am excited to join the Governor's Cabinet and to lead an agency that has made municipal, county, and state entities more effective, more efficient, and more accountable to the people they serve. As State Comptroller, I look forward to serving as an independent voice within government and on behalf of the people of New Jersey.”

“Kevin Walsh’s accomplishments speak for themselves,” said former New Jersey State Comptroller Matt Boxer. “Kevin has all the skills required to be a successful Comptroller and, by all indications, he’s a great fit for this appointment. I wish him all the best as he takes on this new challenge on behalf of the people of New Jersey.”

“Over the course of his career, Kevin Walsh has been a champion for equal rights and government accountability,“ said Senator Troy Singleton. “Kevin’s sound judgement and independent voice in the Comptroller’s Office will help ensure integrity and transparency across all levels of State government. I have known Kevin personally and professionally for many years and I am confident that he will be an effective watchdog for our State.”

“Kevin Walsh is a powerful advocate. I have worked with him on various issues and know him to be an extremely gifted litigator and tactician for justice," said Reverend Dr. Charles F. Boyer, Pastor of Bethel AME Church. "His passion to do the right thing is unparalleled. Governor Murphy is truly showing he is serious about independent oversight, transparency, and accountability  with this appointment.” 

Walsh has spent the past two decades as a civil rights attorney and as the Executive Director of the Fair Share Housing Center, where he has led the enforcement of the Mount Laurel doctrine to promote racial and economic integration in New Jersey through the expansion of affordable housing.

Walsh previously served as Counsel to New Jerseyans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, where he was a key member of the team that led the grassroots effort to abolish the death penalty in New Jersey.

In 2007, Walsh was selected by the New Jersey Supreme Court to sit on its Committee on Character to review applicants to the New Jersey Bar. He also served as a member of the state Supreme Court’s Practice Committee, which reviews and recommends potential changes to New Jersey’s Rules of Court.

Walsh received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the Catholic University of America and holds a Juris Doctorate from the Rutgers School of Law–Camden. Walsh has volunteered with Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Camden, and with Build Jake’s Place, which helps construct inclusive playgrounds accessible to children and adults of all abilities. He is a resident of Merchantville.