“I am thrilled to nominate Mary Cruz to be Chair and CEO of the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. As a labor leader for one of the largest healthcare unions in the nation and a top advisor in the halls of Congress, Mary has been a constant advocate for New Jersey workers. Mary believes deeply in the work of New Jersey’s incredible public servants – she’s one herself – and understands that a strong, professional civil service is essential to delivering the efficient, responsive government our residents deserve,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill.   “I also want to thank Allison Chris Myers for serving as interim Chair and CEO through the transition and am grateful to have her continued expertise as an advisor to the commission.”

“I am incredibly honored to be nominated to serve in Governor Sherrill’s administration. Throughout my career in public service, I have strived to ensure that working people are treated with dignity and respect — and that the systems we rely on are fair, transparent, and accountable. I look forward to working each and every day with our state’s dedicated public servants to strengthen our civil service system, support the workforce that keeps New Jersey running, and help deliver the high-quality services our residents deserve,” said Mary Cruz.

Cruz most recently served as Chief of Staff to Congressman Donald Norcross, where she managed the Congressman’s Washington, D.C. and district operations and led political strategy and campaigns. Previously, Cruz was the New Jersey Political Director for 1199SEIU and also the Director of the New Jersey Healthcare Workers Alliance. Cruz began her career in New Jersey as the District Director for Congressman John Adler.

Cruz is a graduate of Washington College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations.