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Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill made her latest cabinet pick Dec. 29, announcing that she will retain New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Jacquelyn Suárez.

Suárez succeeded the late Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, who also held the role of DCA commissioner. Serving as acting commissioner since September 2023, the Senate confirmed her in May 2024. Suárez was then officially sworn in the next month.

In leading the department, Suárez oversees more than 1,000 employees and manages a $2.15 billion operational budget. She holds distinction as the first Hispanic DCA commissioner.

In a press release announcing the personnel move, Sherrill cited Suárez’s years of dedication and competence.

“I am honored to have Jacquelyn Suárez serve as the commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs,” said Sherrill. “Her collaboration with local governments, work on veteran homelessness, and support for small businesses has earned her the respect of leaders across the state.

“In the Sherrill-Caldwell administration, DCA will reform the burdensome permitting process to lower costs, address our housing shortage, and expand shared services to reduce New Jerseyans’ tax burden.”

In the Sherrill-Caldwell administration, DCA will reform the burdensome permitting process to lower costs, address our housing shortage, and expand shared services to reduce New Jerseyans’ tax burden.
— Gov-elect Mikie Sherrill

Suárez said continuing to serve as DCA commissioner is an honor.

“I am excited to work with Gov.-elect Sherrill on her mission to make New Jersey more affordable,” she said. “Finding creative solutions to lower housing and rental costs. And cutting red tape to make it easier to start and grow a small business.

“We will also continue important efforts like ending veteran homelessness through our Bringing Veterans Home initiative. Our department will work efficiently and collaboratively with residents and municipalities, which is key to delivering lower costs for families across our state.”

Sherrill added, “I’m excited to have an experienced leader like Commissioner Suárez to guide those efforts and help build a more affordable Garden State.”