(AP) - Gov. Phil Murphy named a New York University professor to be New Jersey's first-ever chief innovation officer.

Murphy said Monday in a statement that Beth Noveck would take on the job, which stems from his 2017 campaign pledge to spur the state's economy.

Noveck is a professor at NYU's Tandon School of Engineering where she directs its governance lab.

Murphy says the job will entail streamlining government services as well as "solving public problems" through new technologies and public-private collaboration.

Murphy's office says that the position carries a $140,938 salary, paid for through a $500,000 state grant to Rutgers

The post will not require Senate approval.

Murphy says Noveck served in the Obama White House as the first deputy chief technology officer and director of the administration's Open Government Initiative.