Gov. Christie announces departure of 3 Cabinet officials

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- Three members of Gov. Chris Christie's Cabinet are leaving the administration.

Christie announced Monday that Treasurer Andrew-Sidamon-Eristoff, Health Commissioner Mary O'Dowd and Banking and Insurance Commissioner Ken Kobylowski will be departing over the next few weeks.

Christie spokesman Brian Murray says the departures were long-planned, noting that the three were among the longest-serving Cabinet officials. Their reasons for leaving are "individual," he said.

"The Garden State is a much better place because of their hard work and I wish Andrew, Mary and Ken all the best in their future endeavors," Christie said in a statement.

Sidamon-Eristoff has served as treasurer since 2010 and helped develop the 2011 pension overhaul. Deputy Treasurer Robert Romano will become acting treasurer when Sidamon-Eristoff leaves.

O'Dowd first joined the Health Department in 2008 as chief of staff and was confirmed as its leader in 2011. Cathleen Bennett, now director of Policy and Strategic Planning, will become the acting health commissioner.

Kobylowski began serving as commissioner in 2012. Christie will nominate Richard Badolato to succeed him.

In addition, Christie said Monday that he will nominate acting Human Services Commissioner Elizabeth Connolly to head the Department of Human Services.

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