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Gov. Phil Murphy announced a series of personnel changes within the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) and the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC).

Effective May 20, current CRC Executive Director Jeff Brown will take on the role of deputy commissioner for health systems at NJDOH, the administration said in a May 7 press release.

Brown succeeds Robin Ford, who is departing May 10 for a position at the New Jersey Innovation Institute. At NJDOH, Brown will join Kelly Anderson-Thomas, a former CRC executive director who moved to the department earlier this spring as a deputy commissioner for public health systems.

Following Brown’s departure, Christopher Rigg will become acting executive director of the CRC. Riggs is the current deputy executive director and the agency’s former chief counsel.

Commenting on the changes, Murphy said he was thrilled to announce the new positions.

“Since its establishment, Jeff and Christopher have capably guided the Cannabis Regulatory Commission, implementing our adult use cannabis market and ensuring a diverse and equitable landscape throughout the industry. I look forward to working with them both in their new capacities within the Administration,” the Democratic governor said.

Looking back

As executive director of the CRC, Brown is responsible for organizational strategy, policy and managing a $17 million budget.

He has served in his current role since the inception of the commission in April 2021. Brown played a big part in the organizational structure of the body in charge of the state’s medicinal program and emerging recreational industry.

His work has included leading and overseeing the first comprehensive regulations to underpin New Jersey’s personal use cannabis industry as well as hiring and directing staff who have been instrumental in the processing of more than 2,000 applications for businesses and the issuance of over 200 permits and licenses.

Since New Jersey launched legalized adult-use sales in April 2022, the state has seen more than 130 dispensaries open. Brown has said he believes the market will surpass the $1 billion mark this year.

NJDOH experience

Prior to joining the CRC, Brown was an assistant commissioner at NJDOH, overseeing the division of medicinal marijuana. Under his leadership, the division expanded access to patients throughout New Jersey. The number of enrolled patients increased from 17,000 to over 95,000 and the number of participating physicians and dispensaries more than doubled, according to the governor’s office.

Brown has years of experience in health policy, government affairs, communications, and both advocacy and electoral campaigns. His background that includes working on the passage and implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

He has also led an association of community-based providers to implement innovative new payment models in Medicaid and has fought to expand access to health care in New Jersey’s urban communities by developing sustainable financing policies, the administration said.

Looking ahead

Riggs has been with the CRC since the beginning and assisted in building the foundation of the new regulatory agency from the ground up. As the inaugural chief counsel, Riggs supervised and oversaw the office of chief counsel, including issues with licensing, investigations, litigation and rulemaking, according to the governor’s office.

Riggs’ resume includes several years in the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. Most recently, he served as the deputy attorney general and assistant section chief in the Division of Law – Health and Human Services Section. There, he supervised deputy attorneys general handling all aspects of civil litigation, including state, federal and administrative matters. He also worked on legal matters related to the COVID-19 pandemic response efforts.

CRC Chair Dianna Houenou remarked, “Executive director Brown and I have done great work together. I count myself fortunate that I had the opportunity to launch New Jersey’s recreational cannabis industry with a partner who shared my vision for a socially equitable and safe market. New Jersey cannabis would not be the thriving state example it is today if not for Jeff’s work behind the scenes and in public over the last six years. He leaves a strong legacy for the Commission to continue to build on.”

She went on to say, “I could not be more pleased that the agency will have the benefit of leadership continuity with the appointment of Chris Riggs to the role of acting executive director. Chris has proven to be a diligent and thoughtful leader since joining us in the early days of the Commission. I am confident he will continue to excel in this new role.”

Through the pandemic

Scott Rudder, president of the New Jersey CannaBusiness Association, a leading trade group, issued a statement saying, “Jeff Brown has been a pleasure to work with since the CRC’s creation. He faced the difficult job of creating a brand new agency and jumpstarting a new industry in New Jersey. This was no easy task but he faced every obstacle admirably while always willing to listen to differing ideas. I’m excited for him in his new role and certain he will do an amazing job.”

Additionally, Rudder welcomed Riggs into his new position.

“He has already proven his commitment to helping create a fair and equitable cannabis industry. I look forward to continuing to work with him,” Rudder stated.

Murphy also thanked Ford for her work over the years as deputy commissioner of health systems and executive director of the office of health care financing.

“In some of the darkest times in our state, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Robin played a crucial role in helping us support the health care system in keeping our residents safe and healthy. I wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors,” the governor stated.

Health Commissioner Kaitlan Baston described Ford as an “outstanding leader, partner and public servant” who was “invaluable throughout her tenure at the Department of Health.”

She welcomed Brown on his return to the department, saying, “We look forward to his efforts in guiding the future of the Health Systems branch at the Department.”