David Hespe is currently an Associate Professor  in the Educational Leadership Department of Rowan University and also serving as Chair of the Department.  Prior to joining the faculty at Rowan University,  Mr. Hespe was the Commissioner of  the State Department of Education from March of 1999 to March of 2001.  He was appointed to that post by Governor Christie Whitman and confirmed by the Senate on March 22, 1999.  Mr. Hespe’s career in State Government includes service as First Assistant Attorney General from March 1998 to March 1999.  He also served  as Assistant Commissioner of Education in the Department of Education from 1997 to 1998.  Prior to his service as Assistant Commissioner,  Mr. Hespe was Counsel to Governor Whitman on education and higher education issues.   Mr. Hespe also served in the non-partisan Office of Legislative Services from 1989 to 1994 and was Aide to the Assembly Education Committee.  Prior to entering State service, Mr. Hespe was engaged in the private practice of law.

Mr. Hespe earned a B.A. degree from Rutgers College and a J.D. degree from Rutgers Law School- Newark.  He is a life-long New Jersey resident and currently resides in Belle Mead, New Jersey with his wife, Cindy, and son, Nicholas.