Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill has nominated Dr. Stephen Cha to serve as Commissioner of the Department of Human Services (DHS) in New Jersey. Dr. Cha is known for his work in healthcare policy and administration, with experience spanning both public and private sectors.
Dr. Cha previously worked as Counselor to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under Secretary Xavier Becerra, overseeing agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration and National Institutes of Health. His background includes a focus on Medicaid, maternal health, and national crisis response.
In her announcement, Governor-elect Sherrill said, “The Department of Human Services supports so many New Jerseyans, including children and seniors, with food aid and healthcare. We need an experienced and proven leader at the helm. That is why I’m excited to announce Dr. Stephen Cha as my nominee for Department of Human Services Commissioner. … Dr. Cha brings the experience and expertise we need to protect New Jerseyans and deliver for our state.”
Dr. Cha responded by stating, “I am grateful to Governor-elect Sherrill for this opportunity to serve the people of New Jersey and lead the Department of Human Services. Like the Governor-elect, I share a deep commitment to supporting people who are struggling to get by. The Sherrill-Caldwell administration is committed to delivering effective services to our neighbors, whether that is through NJ FamilyCare, food assistance, or support for our elderly and people with disabilities. I’m excited to get to work with the team at DHS and hit the ground running on these priorities.”
Dr. Cha’s previous roles include serving as Chief Medical Officer for United Healthcare Community & State, where he was responsible for Medicaid and CHIP members across 29 states plus Washington D.C., as well as leadership positions within federal government agencies focused on Medicare and Medicaid innovation.
He also worked on Capitol Hill under Chairman Henry A. Waxman as senior professional staff for committees overseeing energy, commerce, oversight, and government reform issues.
Dr. Cha earned his undergraduate degree in political science from Brown University before obtaining his medical degree from Brown’s medical school; he later completed a master’s in health services research at Yale University.
