LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ - Colonel Glenn K. Rieth, Acting Adjutant General of New Jersey, announced the appointment of Colonel Maria A. Morgan to the position of Deputy Adjutant General of New Jersey. Morgan is currently the commander of the 108th Medical Squadron, New Jersey Air National Guard, and has more than 22 years of military service. She is also the Vice President of MIIX Healthcare Group, where she manages multiple projects for physicians, hospitals, home health agencies, non-profit agencies and major insurance companies. Morgan's duties as Deputy Adjutant General will include direct responsibility for Homeland Defense and personnel strength in the New Jersey National Guard. 

Colonel Morgan holds a bachelors degree in nursing from Trenton State College, a master of arts degree from Central Michigan University, and has completed both the Air Force Command and Staff Course and the Air War College. Morgan was a former employee of the N.J. State Department of Health for eighteen years, where she was an Assistant Commissioner of the Division of Health Care Systems Analysis.

Colonel Morgan began her military career in 1980 when she was commissioned as a first lieutenant in the 108th Tactical Air Command Clinic, New Jersey Air National Guard. In 1993, Morgan assumed the position of Chief Nurse Executive and was part of the senior management team in the newly merged 108th Medical Squadron. In 1999, she was appointed to the position of 108th Medical Squadron Commander. She has participated in multiple overseas deployments with the 108th Air Refueling Wing. Her military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and two Air Force Achievement Medals as well as several other awards. 

In making the appointment Colonel Rieth said, "Colonel Morgan brings tremendous credentials to this job. Her expertise in the health care field will help us find innovative ways to provide care for veterans as we go through difficult financial times. Her professional association with the nursing community will be a real asset to the Department as we deal with a very real nursing shortage." He added that, "with my priority on Homeland Defense and unit strength, her plate is already full - she will be very busy in the weeks to come."