Listen to this articleThe basics:
- Gov.-elect Sherrill appoints Kellie Doucette as New Jersey’s first COO
- Doucette will oversee day-to-day state operations, modernization efforts
- New bipartisan Local Government Advisory Group formed to support the transition
Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill continues to ramp up the shaping of her administration with several notable announcements Dec. 2.
Sherrill revealed that Kellie Doucette will serve in a newly created role: New Jersey’s first chief operating officer. Doucette is also executive director of the Sherrill Gubernatorial Transition,
“Kellie Doucette has spent her career focused on bringing people together, solving tough problems, and making organizations work better for the people they serve,” Sherrill said in a press release.
Key things to know about the new COO role:
- Doucette will oversee day-to-day operations and transformation initiative in the executive branch while working closely with the cabinet
- Will serve as a key member of the governor’s senior team, focused on:
- Modernizing state processes and systems
- Achieving operational excellence
- Coordinating across agencies
- Will work closely with incoming Chief of Staff Alex Ball and Chief Counsel Tim Lydon
Doucette brings private sector and government experience to the role, including as district director for Sherrill’s congressional office.
‘Getting results’
“As New Jersey’s first Chief Operating Officer, Kellie will help us build a dynamic government that focuses relentlessly on getting results – starting with our priority of making life more affordable for the people of New Jersey,” said Sherrill.
She noted the key roles COOs have played in other states, such as Arizona, Missouri, North Carolina and more.
“I’m deeply honored to take on this new role,” said Doucette. “Gov.-elect Sherrill’s vision for a more efficient, transparent, and innovative government is exactly what New Jersey needs right now. I’m excited to focus everything we do on results and customer service – cutting red tape, breaking down silos, and ensuring New Jersey’s public servants have the resources they need to make New Jersey stronger and more affordable.”
This announcement comes on the heels of Sherrill tapping Lt. Gov-elect Dale Caldwell as secretary of state. The incoming governor has also detailed the creation of an Interdisciplinary Advisory Task Force, launch of Policy Action Teams, and put out a public survey soliciting feedback from New Jerseyans.
New bipartisan group
Additionally, Sherrill announced Dec. 2 the establishment of a bipartisan Local Government Advisory Group to advise the transition. The team comprises elected officials from across the state. The advisory group will provide their expertise and perspective from the local as well as county level.
Meet the team
Learn more about Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill’s transition appointments here.
“I know that the best ideas come from working closely with local governments on the ground, and that’s why this advisory group is so important,” said Sherrill. “In Congress, I worked hand-in-hand with our local officials to deliver funding and federal resources for everything from flood mitigation to combatting auto thefts to building housing that working families can afford.
“I intend to have the same collaborative, mission-focused relationship in my administration – and that starts with the transition as we put our agenda together to be ready to deliver on Day One.”
Caldwell said, “The Sherrill-Caldwell administration will work collaboratively with local communities on a mission to deliver, whether that is addressing housing costs or improving education outcomes. I’m so excited about all the wonderful public servants who have volunteered to help our transition with their expertise and experience to continue serving the people of New Jersey.”
Phil Alagia, chief of staff to Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo, was named to the group. He will serve as a senior advisor to the transition. Alagia will focuse on facilitating collaboration with the advisory group, the transition team and other key stakeholders.
Sherrill said the group will seek input from the New Jersey Conference of Mayors, League of Municipalities, Association of Counties and Urban Mayors Association.
“Gov.-elect Sherrill has a long track record of working with mayors and local officials to deliver for the people she serves,” said Doucette. “That’s the kind of leadership she is going to bring to Trenton to cut through red tape and the status quo to make New Jersey more affordable.”
