Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill Nominates Dr. Stephen Cha to Lead New Jersey Department of Human Services

By Adam Rizvi | Editor, The India Observer (TIO): TRENTON, NJ — Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill has announced the nomination of Dr. Stephen Cha, a nationally recognized healthcare leader, to serve as Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS), a department that oversees critical programs supporting children, seniors, and vulnerable residents across the state.

According to a statement from the Governor-elect’s office, Dr. Cha brings extensive experience from both the public and private sectors, including senior leadership roles within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under former Secretary Xavier Becerra. His portfolio included oversight and coordination involving major federal agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), as well as work on Medicaid policy, maternal health, and national crisis response.

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“The Department of Human Services supports so many New Jerseyans with food aid and healthcare,” Governor-elect Sherrill said. She emphasized that, as the state prepares for potential federal policy changes affecting Medicaid and SNAP eligibility, strong leadership at DHS will be essential to protect residents and maintain access to critical services.

Dr. Cha expressed gratitude for the nomination and reaffirmed his commitment to serving New Jersey residents facing economic and health-related challenges. He noted that the incoming administration remains focused on delivering effective services through programs such as NJ FamilyCare, food assistance initiatives, and support for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra also praised the nomination, describing Dr. Cha as a proven leader who has navigated complex national challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, the infant formula shortage, and the maternal health crisis. Becerra said Dr. Cha’s experience and leadership would be a strong asset as New Jersey confronts ongoing healthcare affordability and coverage issues.

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Dr. Cha previously served as Chief Medical Officer for UnitedHealthcare Community & State, overseeing care for approximately six million Medicaid and CHIP members across 29 states and the District of Columbia. Earlier in his career, he spent more than a decade in federal service at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), where he held senior leadership roles focused on Medicaid innovation and program oversight. He also served on professional staff in the U.S. House of Representatives, working on health policy and government oversight.

In addition to his policy and administrative work, Dr. Cha practiced medicine as a part-time primary care physician at a homeless shelter in Washington, D.C. for more than ten years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring his long-standing commitment to underserved communities.

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Dr. Cha holds a Bachelor’s degree in political science and a Doctor of Medicine from Brown University, along with a Master’s degree in health services research from Yale University.

Editor’s Note, Adam Rizvi

Leadership at the Department of Human Services directly affects the most vulnerable New Jerseyans. Experience in Medicaid, crisis response, and frontline healthcare matters, especially at a time of uncertainty in federal policy. Responsible governance begins with qualified leadership.

About the Editor

Editor-in-Chief Adam Rizvi, a respected journalist and active community leader, has long covered New Jersey’s civic and political landscape. Through The India Observer, he continues to highlight stories of leadership, compassion, and integrity that shape the state.

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