NJUA Names ‘Civic-Minded Scientist’ as Director of External Affairs

On Mar 14, 2024

Joseph M. Gurrentz, Ph.D., a published expert in next-generation energy sources, has joined the leadership team of the New Jersey Utilities Association (NJUA) as director of external affairs.

A self-described “civic-minded scientist,” Gurrentz is widely known in Trenton as a vocal advocate for affordable, sustainable, reliable and secure utility service in New Jersey.

Gurrentz, of Haddonfield, served over the past three years as a policy analyst for the New Jersey Senate Majority Office, while also working as a post-doctorate science and politics fellow at Rutgers University’s Eagleton Institute of Politics. He earned his Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry at the University of Texas in Austin.

“Joseph brings incredible breadth and depth in policy to the New Jersey Utilities Association, as we continually advance the issues and priorities of our 13 member companies,” said NJUA President & CEO Rich Henning. “With his extensive experience as a Senate staffer, and his ability to quickly understand, interpret and discuss complicated matters related to the next generation of energy needs, Joseph has already become a tremendous asset to our advocacy team.”

As part of his work for the Senate Majority Office, Gurrentz managed the development, stakeholder engagement and passage of energy, environmental, and labor-focused legislation. His work required significant collaboration between state legislators, regulators, stakeholders, and staff to reach consensus.

Moreover, Gurrentz monitored regulatory actions and developed policy positions for the Senate majority, which is ideal experience for his enhanced role with the NJUA as it sets its aggressive legislative agenda for the remainder of 2024, Henning said.

As a scientist, Gurrentz also worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, for three summers, studying proton radiography. In his unique role, he installed and maintained fiberoptic and vacuum pump systems for scientists investigating material behaviors under high explosive conditions for national security. At the University of Michigan, where he earned his undergraduate degree, Gurrentz researched earth-abundant energy materials for affordable, scalable solar-powered chemical fuels production.

“I am eager to use my specialized experience in the utilities field to advance the goals of the New Jersey Utilities Association, as New Jersey shifts toward a carbon-neutral future,” Gurrentz said. “This is a very exciting time to be an industry leader in utilities. I look forward to taking on many new challenges as a strong, vocal and consistent advocate for New Jersey’s utilities.”

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