Chief Justice Names Carol Novey Catuogno to Lead Bergen Vicinage

Chief Justice Stuart Rabner announced today that Superior Court Judge Carol Novey Catuogno will lead the Bergen Vicinage, effective, May 1.

Judge Novey Catuogno succeeds Assignment Judge Bonnie J. Mizdol, who is retiring after more than 17 years on the bench, nearly eight as assignment judge.

“Judge Mizdol set a high standard for professionalism and leadership and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to justice and fairness as the assignment judge,” Chief Justice Rabner said. “Judge Novey Catuogno brings vast experience to her new role from an extensive career in public service. I have every confidence in her ability to lead the Bergen Vicinage.”
Judge Novey Catuogno was appointed to the bench in 2018 by Gov. Chris Christie. She was assigned to the family division before being moved to the criminal division in 2019.

Prior to joining the bench, Judge Novey Catuogno was an assistant prosecutor in the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office for approximately 20 years, where she served as the longtime deputy chief/chief of the domestic violence squad, as the trial section chief, and as the executive assistant. 
From 1991 to 1998, she was an assistant district attorney for the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office in Staten Island, New York.
 
“I am humbled by, and grateful for, the confidence that Chief Justice Rabner has shown in me, and I thank him for the opportunity to continue my career in public service as assignment judge of the Bergen Vicinage,” Judge Novey Catuogno said. “I am also thankful for the exceptional leadership provided by Judge Mizdol and I know she will be greatly missed. I look forward to working in collaboration with judges, staff, and the bar to ensure the citizens of Bergen County continued justice, fairness, and equity from our courts.”

Judge Novey Catuogno earned her bachelor’s degree from State University of New York at Binghamton and a law degree from Boston University School of Law.