NEWARK — The New Jersey Senate today confirmed Kimberly Ricketts as the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, following her stint as Acting Director for the past two months.

"Kim Ricketts has shown that she’s a tireless advocate for those in need," Acting Governor Richard J. Codey said. "The most basic function of government is to protect the public, a duty that Kim has performed with distinction throughout her career. As Director of Consumer Affairs, Kim will lead the drive to educate shoppers about their rights and marshal the State’s resources against those who try to trample over those rights."

"In my eight weeks on the job, I’ve seen firsthand how Consumer Affairs works on behalf of New Jersey residents," Ricketts said. "The Division’s 700 employees are passionate about protecting consumers and holding scam artists accountable for their actions. It’s my honor to lead Consumer Affairs forward as the agency adapts itself to confront the new frauds and schemes being plotted against the public."

The Division of Consumer Affairs within the Attorney General’s Office handles issues ranging from complaints about the purchase, lease and repair of automobiles to identity theft, telemarketing scams and shoddy home repairs. The Division licenses and regulates nearly 80 professions and occupations. It receives an estimated 550,000 complaints or questions a year.

Ricketts served as executive director of the Governor’s Task Force on Mental Health immediately prior to coming to Consumer Affairs. Under her leadership, the task force led an in-depth review and evaluation of New Jersey’s mental health system and submitted a series of recommendations for improving mental health care.

Prior to her work with the task force, Ricketts served as chief of staff of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. As chief of staff, Ricketts acted as the Commissioner’s liaison on intergovernmental and legislative affairs, and served as the Department’s contact for all local, county and state elected officials. Additionally, she supported the daily administration of the Department and advised the Commissioner on legislative, municipal and division program issues and policy matters.

Before joining DCA, Ricketts spent 13 years working in behavioral health and social services with families, children and provider organizations in North Carolina, Florida and New Jersey. Ricketts, 38, also served as a councilwoman in Highland Park, where she currently resides.

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