John Spinello

Director of the Authorities Unit

John Spinello currently serves as the Director of the Governor’s Authorities Unit, which oversees New Jersey’s independent state and bi-state authorities and commissions. Prior to joining the Governor’s Office, John practiced law for more than a decade with K&L Gates, where his practice focused on regulatory counseling, project development and appellate advocacy for clients in energy, transportation and manufacturing industries.

He previously served as Associate General Counsel for the United States Environmental Protection Agency where he provided legal counsel to the Administrator and other Agency decision-makers in Washington, D.C. and in the Agency’s ten regional offices in connection with rulemaking and defensive litigation, amicus participation in the Supreme Court and the federal appellate courts, internal investigations, and congressional oversight.

Prior to joining the EPA, John served as Assistant Counsel to Governor Whitman where he worked with the Legislature and the Cabinet to advance the Governor’s policy priorities. John also held several senior positions in the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

John earned a JD from the Temple University School of Law, evening division, while working for the New Jersey State Legislature, and a BA from Ramapo College of NJ. He also served for six years in the United States Navy Reserve, including three years providing intelligence support for Electronic Attack Squadron Two Zero Nine.

A native of Jersey City, John resides with his wife, Jan, and their two dogs in Washington Borough, Warren County.