CSC Welcomes New Statewide Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Sharperson Brings Over 20 years of Legal, Diversity & Inclusion Experience

(TRENTON, NJ) The New Jersey Civil Service Commission (CSC) is proud to welcome Denise Sharperson as its first Statewide Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Manager. Her responsibilities will include developing a strategy for improving diversity and inclusion throughout the state’s workforce and collaborating with state departments and agencies to strengthen diversity outreach efforts.

“Denise is an outstanding addition to the team and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. We are more than excited to have her join the NJ Civil Service Commission team,” said Chair/CEO Deirdrẻ Webster Cobb, Esq. “Denise’s diversity and inclusion experience, exceptional legal acumen, and deep professional commitment will help create a better working environment for our public employees.”

“I truly look forward to being part of the Civil Service Commission family and humbly serving public employees throughout the State, ” Sharperson said. ” I am excited with this opportunity to continue making my mark in the field of diversity and inclusion.”

Most recently, Denise served as Assistant General Counsel and first Chief Diversity Officer for the New Jersey Bar Association. While there, Denise served as legal counsel and was committed to increasing and retaining a diverse pool of lawyers within the Bar Association. She ensured that attorneys with diverse backgrounds and experiences engaged in meaningful work and focused on strengthening the legal profession throughout the State of New Jersey. Among her many achievements, Denise played an important role in recruiting speakers from diverse backgrounds to serve as Institute for Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) speakers as well as to serve on Bar Association committees. Additionally, she advised the Board of Trustees on diversity best practices, developed diversity initiatives and organized diversity training programs.

Denise has over 20 years of professional legal experience. She has worked in both private and public legal environments and advocated for increased diversity in the legal profession throughout her career. She was recently recognized by the Association of Black Women Lawyers of New Jersey for her noteworthy contributions to the legal profession.