Listen to this articleThe basics:
- Sherrill nominates Cha to lead the New Jersey Department of Human Services
- DHS nominee brings federal, Medicaid and public health leadership experience
- Military and Veterans Affairs departments split effective Jan. 9
- Mays, Solomeno tapped to lead newly restructured agencies
Just days before the Christmas holiday, Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill announced a series of key cabinet nominations, naming leaders to head the Department of Human Services as well as the newly restructured Departments of Military Affairs and Veterans Affairs.
On Dec. 23, Sherrill announced Dr. Stephen Cha as her nominee to serve as commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Human Services. That same day, current Commissioner Sarah Adelman announced on LinkedIn she would leave the role at the conclusion of the Murphy administration.
Cha most recently served as a counselor to U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra during the Biden administration. In that role, his portfolio included oversight of major federal agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health, along with coordination of federal crisis responses.
“The Department of Human Services supports so many New Jerseyans, including children and seniors, with food aid and healthcare. We need an experienced and proven leader at the helm. That is why I’m excited to announce Dr. Stephen Cha as my nominee for Department of Human Services Commissioner,” said Sherrill. “As we prepare for devastating impact of Trump’s HR1 on Medicaid and SNAP eligibility, Dr. Cha brings the experience and expertise we need to protect New Jerseyans and deliver for our state.”
Cha, who has experience in both public and private sector, previously served as chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare Community & State and oversaw Medicaid and CHIP programs serving millions nationwide.
I am thrilled to introduce my nominee to lead the Department of Human Services, Dr. Stephen Cha.
Dr. Cha is a nationally recognized healthcare expert who served in the US Dept. of Health and Human Services and a former primary care provider for people experiencing homelessness.… pic.twitter.com/J0avRJEeG5
— Mikie Sherrill (@MikieSherrill) December 23, 2025
Continuing to serve
On Dec. 22, Sherrill announced nominees to lead two departments created through the split of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, effective Jan. 9, 2026.
Brig. Gen. Yvonne Mays will be nominated to lead the Department of Military Affairs, while Vincent Solomeno III will be nominated as commissioner of the new Department of Veterans Affairs.
Mays, who currently serves as the adjutant general of New Jersey, will continue overseeing more than 8,400 soldiers and airmen of the New Jersey National Guard. Solomeno, an Army veteran, currently serves as a deputy commissioner and the state’s administrator of veterans affairs.
Yesterday, I was excited to share two nominees: Brigadier General Yvonne Mays to continue to serve as the Adjutant General of New Jersey and nominated to lead the Department of Military Affairs, and Vincent Solomeno nominated to serve as Commissioner of the soon to be created… pic.twitter.com/KD68WGRBBU
— Mikie Sherrill (@MikieSherrill) December 23, 2025
“I’m honored to nominate two leaders who have served our country and our state throughout their lives,” said Sherrill. “Both Brig. Gen. Yvonne Mays and Vincent Solomeno have proven track records of delivering for service members and veterans, and have the experience needed to ensure a smooth transition as the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs transforms to better serve our state, those who are currently serving, and our veterans.
“Together, we will invest in New Jersey’s defense and technology economy, support National Guard members and their families, and expand access to resources for veterans who have put their lives on the line for our country.”
“Mikie and I both served in the Navy and believe deeply that here in New Jersey, our service members, veterans, and their families should have all the support they need,” said incoming First Gentleman Jason Hedberg. “I look forward to working with these two outstanding leaders to support New Jersey’s veterans and our National Guard.”
