Christie Appoints Corrections Chief

New Jersey Governor-Elect Chris Christie has announced the appointment of Gary Lanigan, who previously served in the New York City Department of Corrections under both Giuliani and Bloomberg administrations, to head the New Jersey Department of Corrections.
In New York City, Lanigan served as both the First Deputy Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Administration, overseeing all operation functions for the Department’s 16 jails, 15 court holding facilities, and 12,400 uniformed and civilian personnel.
Lanigan currently serves as Director of Budgets and Financial Management at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority where he manages the direction and financial planning of the MTA’s $11 billion operation budget.
Governor-Elect Christie said, “Gary Lanigan has the experience, know-how and determination needed to effectively manage and focus to our corrections’ system. Gary will bring to the New Jersey Department of Corrections an understanding and care that is needed to not only protect the public, but ensure positive reintegration of those currently in the system.”
Lanigan will be responsible for overseeing the Division’s $1.1 billion budget, the operations of the 13 major institutions and the implementation of the many programs and community service opportunities offered for offenders.
Before Lanigan joined the MTA in 2003, he worked at the New York City Department of Corrections beginning in 1994. Lanigan served as First Deputy Commissioner at the New York City Department of Correction from 1998 - 2003. During this time, Lanigan was responsible for all administrative and operational functions for the Department's 16 jails, 15 court holding facilities, four hospital prison wards and 12,400 uniformed and civilian personnel.
Prior to serving as First Deputy Commissioner, Lanigan served as Deputy Commissioner of Administration from 1994-1998. As Deputy Commissioner for Administration he was responsible for the agency's expense and revenue budgets, fiscal, personnel, payroll, management information services and population/capacity planning, as well as telecommunications operations.
Prior to DOC, he served as Assistant Commissioner for Financial Affairs with the New York City Police Department from 1987 to 1994, managing budget, contract and financial analysis functions. From 1979 to 1987 he was an analyst with the Mayor's Office of Management and Budget, with budgetary oversight of various City agencies, including the Law Department, Retirement Systems, Elected Officials and the Department of General Services.
Lanigan served in the US Navy from 1972 to 1975.
He has a bachelor's degree in business administration and a master's degree in public administration, both from Bernard M. Baruch College. He is a graduate of the Police Management Institute sponsored by the Columbia University Graduate School of Business. He also attended the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University Leadership Institute in May, 1999.