December 26, 2025
On December 23, 2025, Governor-elect
Mikie Sherrill announced that she is naming Dr. Stephen Cha as her
nominee to lead the Department of Human Services (DHS).
Dr. Cha is a nationally recognized healthcare expert with experience in both the public and private sector, having served as a Counselor to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under Secretary Xavier Becerra, with a portfolio that included major agencies including the Food and Drug Administration and National Institutes of Health, along with experience dealing with major policy issues, including Medicaid and maternal health.
"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,” Governor-elect Sherrill said to InsiderNJ. “As we prepare for devastating impact of Trump’s HR1 on Medicaid and SNAP [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program] eligibility, Dr. Cha brings the experience and expertise we need to protect New Jerseyans and deliver for our state.”
Outgoing DHS Commissioner Sarah M. Adelman applauded the choice in an e-mail announcing her stepping down: “As my tenure concludes, I’m also excited to share that Governor-elect Sherrill’s commissioner nominee, Dr. Stephen Cha, M.D., is someone with extensive background in federal HHS programs. As NJ’s budget and critical Human Services programs face uncertainty and volatility, I am confident his experience will serve the Department well,” Commissioner Adelman said. “I look forward to continued collaboration with Governor-elect Sherrill’s team to ensure a smooth and strong transition for the work that continues.”
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve New Jersey for the past eight years, especially the last five as Commissioner,” Commissioner Adelman also stated in her email. “These have been profoundly challenging years, yet working alongside extraordinary public servants and community partners, we have made meaningful progress and strengthened New Jersey’s Human Services ecosystem. Together, we have helped millions of New Jerseyans access care, stability, and opportunity. And I am filled with pride and gratitude.”
“All of us at NJAMHAA are most grateful for Commissioner Adelman’s leadership, dedication and partnership throughout her tenure in this critical role. We have had consistent, open conversations with her and other DHS leaders, which have led to many positive policy changes that help increase access to critical behavioral and integrated healthcare services,” said Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of NJAMHAA. “We wish Commissioner Adelman the best in her new endeavors and look forward to welcoming and collaborating with Dr. Cha, other members Governor-elect Sherrill will select for her Cabinet and Lt. Governor-elect Dr. Dale Caldwell in our ongoing mission to ensure that every New Jersey resident receives the services and supports they need to enjoy the highest quality of life possible.”
