Peterson, a former senior official at the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and nationally recognized legal scholar, helped shape the CFPB during its formative years and was also instrumental in strengthening and developing the federal Military Lending Act. He steps in to lead New Jersey’s premier consumer protection agency in protecting consumers’ rights, regulating the securities industry, and overseeing 51 professional boards.

“Chris Peterson has spent decades fighting for consumers through public service, congressional advocacy, and in the courtroom,” said Governor Sherrill. “At a time when the CFPB has abandoned the consumers it should be protecting and New Jersey families are facing rising costs from Donald Trump’s war in Iran and illegal tariffs, Chris’s unparalleled experience protecting families from predatory practices will help ensure New Jersey remains at the forefront of consumer protection and continues standing up for residents no matter what is happening in Washington.”

“Chris has a remarkable record of holding lawbreakers accountable and relentlessly pursuing economic justice for consumers and military families throughout his career,” said Attorney General Davenport. “New Jersey has some of the strongest laws in the country to curb the illegal conduct that is deepening our affordability crisis, and Chris’s vast experience shaping consumer protection policy and enforcing the law will ensure that the Division of Consumer Affairs can lead the country in protecting working families struggling to make ends meet.”

Throughout his career, Peterson has helped build the legal and regulatory framework that protects consumers nationwide. As a senior advisor at the CFPB, Peterson played a key role in establishing the agency, working on its enforcement policy and strategy. He also helped develop and strengthen landmark consumer protection legislation, including the Military Lending Act, a law advancing stronger safeguards against predatory lending and unfair financial practices that harm service members and their families.

Peterson, who most recently served as the John J. Flynn Endowed Professor of Law at the University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney College of Law, said he is eager to begin serving New Jersey residents in his new role.

“It is a privilege to join the Division of Consumer Affairs, and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead an efficient, accessible agency that strives to serve the public every day,” said Peterson. “On day one, I will get to work to make life more affordable for New Jersey families by protecting consumers from scams and exploitation, and to ensure that our agency supports honest businesses while holding those who break our laws accountable.”

Peterson will begin serving as Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs on August 3, 2026, pending his formal nomination by Governor Sherrill to the position, which is subject to the advice and consent of the State Senate.

Jeremy E. Hollander has been serving as Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs since January 2026, when he stepped in to lead the Division following the departure of Director Elizabeth M. Harris. Hollander will return to his position as Deputy Director of the Division’s Office of Consumer Protection.