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The basics:

• Cari Fais resigns after 3 years leading NJ’s Division of Consumer Affairs
• Elizabeth Harris, current Bureau of Securities chief, named acting director
• Fais was the first Latina confirmed to lead the agency

After three years overseeing the state’s Division of Consumer Affairs, Cari Fais is stepping down, according to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.

In a May 14 press release, the AG’s office said Fais is leaving “for an opportunity outside of the Department of Law and Public Safety.” Additionally, the office named Bureau of Securities Chief Elizabeth Harris as acting director of the DCA.

The changes are effective May 15, the agency said.

Fais has led the DCA since May 2022. She was confirmed by the state Senate in October 2024, making her the first Latina to oversee the state’s consumer protection agency.

As head of the DCA, Fais was in charge of a civil law enforcement and regulatory agency of more than 500 employees focused on protecting the safety and well-being of New Jerseyans. The division includes the Office of Consumer Protection, Bureau of Securities, Charities Section, Office of Weights and Measures and Legalized Games of Chance Section.

‘An indispensable partner’

Under her leadership, the DCA took action against social media companies for conduct that it said harms New Jersey’s children, obtained settlements against corporations that failed to safeguard consumers’ personal data and secured reforms from technology companies that misrepresented their data privacy and security practices, according to the AG’s office.

The agency also used its enforcement powers to halt predatory lending practices, protect elderly investors from securities fraud and financial exploitation, and hold national discount retail chains accountable for targeting underserved communities with deceptive business practices.

In a statement, Attorney General Matthew Platkin praised Fais as “an indispensable partner in carrying out our Department’s consumer protection work.” He went on to say, “We will miss her steady hand and leadership, and I am grateful for her outstanding service to our state.”

Stepping up

Platkin also expressed confidence in Fais’ predecessor, Harris, describing her as “an accomplished attorney with sound judgement, extensive knowledge, and deep experience as a regulator, prosecutor and public finance professional.”

Since January 2024, Harris has served as chief of the Bureau of Securities. During her tenure, the bureau has prioritized obtaining restitution for New Jersey investors from both unregistered and registered entities.

It has also focused on protecting older and vulnerable adults by launching an electronic portal that makes it easier for financial professionals to comply with the New Jersey Safeguarding Against Financial Exploitation (SAFE) Act.

She previously served an assistant U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey, where she led investigations into and prosecuted a variety of complex cases, including white collar and organized crime cases.

I am honored by the opportunity to protect the consumers in my home state …
– Elizabeth Harris, acting director, Division of Consumer Affairs

Her legal career also includes stints as general counsel to the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corp. and an associate at Duane Morris LLP and K&L Gates LLP, where she represented clients in commercial litigation, white-collar criminal defense and securities litigation. She was also a vice president in the public finance banking department at Morgan Stanley, where she was involved in all aspects of debt financing, including public bond offerings, direct purchases, private placements and lending.

Looking forward

A New Jersey native, Harris earned a bachelor’s degree from Fordham University, master’s degree from Columbia University, Teachers College and law degree from Rutgers University School of Law. Before attending law school, Harris served as a technology and history teacher at The Beacon School, a public high school in New York City.

Commenting on her new role, Harris said “I am honored by the opportunity to protect the consumers in my home state as Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs and thank the Attorney General for this opportunity. The Division has so many dedicated employees who are committed to this mission, and I look forward to working alongside them in service to the state’s residents and its licensed professionals.”