Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill has announced her selections to lead New Jersey’s newly separated Department of Military Affairs and Department of Veterans Affairs. This comes as legislation signed in September reorganizing the current Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is set to take effect on January 9, 2026.
Brigadier General Yvonne L. Mays will continue in her role as The Adjutant General of New Jersey and will be nominated to head the Department of Military Affairs. Vincent Solomeno III, a U.S. Army veteran who currently serves as deputy commissioner and administrator of Veterans Affairs, will be nominated for Commissioner of the new Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sherrill stated, “I’m honored to nominate two leaders who have served our country and our state throughout their lives. Both Brig. Gen. Yvonne Mays and Vincent Solomeno have proven track records of delivering for service members and veterans, and have the experience needed to ensure a smooth transition as the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs transforms to better serve our state, those who are currently serving, and our veterans,” said Sherrill. “Together, we will invest in New Jersey’s defense and technology economy, support National Guard members and their families, and expand access to resources for veterans who have put their lives on the line for our country.”
Solomeno commented on his nomination: “New Jersey is home to over 300,000 veterans. It’s the honor of my professional life to be nominated to continue to serve them. I thank the Governor-elect for the opportunity to complete this once in a generation transformation of veterans services. The New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs will not only meet standards. We will exceed them. As the first woman veteran elected governor in the history of the United States, I know that Governor-elect Sherrill will always prioritize Garden State heroes and the people who love them.”
Brigadier General Mays expressed gratitude at being asked to remain in her post: “I am deeply honored and grateful to the Governor-elect for the confidence placed in me to continue serving as The Adjutant General of New Jersey. It remains the privilege of my career to serve our state and lead the Soldiers, Airmen, and civilian professionals of the New Jersey National Guard. I am thankful for the opportunity to continue this work, to advance readiness, and to serve New Jersey with excellence.”
Incoming First Gentleman Jason Hedberg added his support: “Mikie and I both served in the Navy and believe deeply that here in New Jersey, our service members, veterans, and their families should have all the support they need. I look forward to working with these two outstanding leaders to support New Jersey’s veterans and our National Guard,” said incoming First Gentleman Jason Hedberg.
Brigadier General Mays has led more than 8,400 Soldiers and Airmen since assuming her responsibilities in July 2024; she directs both federal- and state-level missions after beginning her military career with an enlistment in 1983 followed by participation in several key operations including Operation Just Cause as well as deployments during Operation Desert Shield/Storm.
Vincent Solomeno is noted for expanding veteran service officer ranks across all counties statewide from fourteen offices up to twenty-one under his leadership—one per county—and improving frontline healthcare wages plus upgrading medical equipment at three major veterans homes located at Menlo Park, Paramus, and Vineland.
The reorganization means that starting January 2026 military functions such as National Guard operations remain within what becomes known as Department of Military Affairs while a separate Department focuses exclusively on services like housing assistance or mental health care tailored specifically toward veterans’ needs.
During her tenure representing New Jersey’s 11th District in Congress—serving also on House Armed Services Committee—Sherrill supported legislative efforts including passing measures like Blue Water Navy Act (for Vietnam-era benefits), PACT Act (expanding coverage related toxic exposures), authoring bills supporting PTSD service dog training programs for vets; she also played a part bringing Vet Center Outpost services closer geographically for Morris County residents struggling with mental health access barriers.
