Sherrill names Dehmer NJ chief technology officer

Matthew Fazelpoor//February 3, 2026//

Gov. Phil Murphy announced his intention to nominate Kevin Dehmer as commissioner of the state's Department of Education in January 2024. - PROVIDED BY THE OFFICE OF THE NJ GOVERNOR

Matthew Fazelpoor//February 3, 2026//

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Gov. Mikie Sherrill has appointed Kevin Dehmer to serve as New Jersey’s next chief technology officer.

Dehmer most recently served as the state’s education commissioner since 2024 and previously led the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University. During his tenure as commissioner, Dehmer led a comprehensive redesign of the state’s educational data systems to advance research, program evaluation and improve data quality.

As CTO, Dehmer will oversee the New Jersey Office of Information Technology and lead efforts to modernize New Jersey’s digital infrastructure, improve efficiency and transparency of the state permitting process, adopt technologies to clear licensure backlogs and reduce wait times, and strengthen cybersecurity protections against AI-driven challenges.

Sherrill described Dehmer as a trusted and experienced public servant who has dedicated his career to strengthening New Jersey’s nation-leading public education system.

“In doing so, he has implemented impressive reforms to modernize New Jersey’s education data systems,” said Sherrill. “I look forward to working with Kevin to institute similar modernization efforts across our state’s digital infrastructure.”

Dehmer says he is honored for the opportunity to continue serving New Jersey.

“I look forward to supporting Gov. Sherrill’s efforts to bolster our state’s digital infrastructure, ensuring state agencies can serve New Jersey residents more effectively and efficiently while also maintaining a strong emphasis on cybersecurity,” said Dehmer.

Sherrill added, “Improving how our state government uses technology is fundamental to eliminating bureaucracy and saving our residents time and money.”