Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill Appoints Kellie Doucette as New Jersey’s First Chief Operating Officer

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By The India Observer Desk, Edited by Adam Rizvi, The India Observer, TIO: TRENTON, NJ — In a major structural step toward modernizing state government, Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill has named Kellie Doucette as New Jersey’s first-ever Chief Operating Officer (COO). The newly created position is designed to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability across state agencies—signaling a leadership approach centered on measurable results for New Jersey families.

Doucette, who currently serves as Executive Director of the Sherrill Gubernatorial Transition, brings a blend of public- and private-sector leadership experience, with a record of driving major initiatives in infrastructure, public engagement, workforce development, and organizational strategy.

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Governor-elect Sherrill praised Doucette’s collaborative style and results-driven leadership.

“Kellie Doucette has spent her career bringing people together, solving tough problems, and making organizations work better for the people they serve,” Sherrill said. “As New Jersey’s first Chief Operating Officer, she will help us build a dynamic government that focuses relentlessly on making life more affordable for New Jersey families.”

In her new capacity, Doucette will oversee day-to-day executive branch operations, support major transformation initiatives, and coordinate across state agencies to ensure improved service delivery. She will work closely with incoming Chief of Staff Alex Ball and Chief Counsel Tim Lydon, forming a central component of Sherrill’s senior governing team.

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Doucette said she is honored to take on the responsibility.

“Governor-elect Sherrill’s vision for a more efficient, transparent, and innovative government is exactly what New Jersey needs right now. My focus will be on results, customer service, cutting red tape, and ensuring our public servants have the tools they need to make New Jersey stronger and more affordable,” she said.

The creation of a statewide COO mirrors successful initiatives in states such as Arizona, North Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri, and Oregon, where similar roles have played pivotal parts in upgrading technology, streamlining agency operations, and improving citizen-facing services.

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Governor-elect Sherrill’s decision marks one of the most significant structural updates to Trenton’s executive leadership model in years—setting the tone for a results-oriented administration committed to service, modernization, and public trust.