Gov. Chris Christie Nominates Richard Hammer to Be Transportation Chief

Richard Hammer has been appointed acting commissioner of New Jersey’s Department of Transportation by Gov. Chris Christie, who also nominated him to replace Jamie Fox, who resigned last month.

"Rick's 33 years of service to New Jersey and the department bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the transportation challenges that face the Garden State," Christie said in statement. "I appreciate him stepping up to this next challenge in his long career of public service at the Department, and look forward to having him join my cabinet."

Hammer, who has a degree in civil engineering from Rutgers, had been the assistant commissioner responsible for the department's Capital Program Management Section. In that capacity, he directed such large projects as the rebuilding of the Pulaski Skyway and the rebuilding of Route 35 between Berkeley and Bay Head after Superstorm Sandy.

If Hammer’s nomination for the permanent post is approved by the state Legislature, he would be chairman of the board for N.J. Transit, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and the South Jersey Transportation Authority.