
Reporting to the Commissioner of Health, the Chief of Staff (COS) has oversight of the executive management team and a combined State/Federal budget of $2.8 billion.
Prior to joining the Department, Andrea Martinez-Mejia served as Coordinator of Community Health Services for the City of Trenton’s Department of Health and Human Services. Mrs. Martinez-Mejia has extensive experience in government, including serving as Acting Director of Appointments for New Jersey’s Office of the Governor under 3 different Governors, Director of Community Relations and Constituency Services for the New Jersey Department of Health, and Director of Constituent Relations for the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of State. Martinez-Mejia earned her B.A. in Political Science from Rutgers University, a Master’s degree in Public Administration and a Master’s degree in Diplomacy and International Relations from Seton Hall University.
Management and Administration supports the operational programs of the Department of Health. It is responsible for planning and directing the Department's annual budget request, monitoring department accounts, overseeing accounting and purchasing activities, federal funds management, grant management, auditing, accounting, administrative and facility operations, facilitating the success of the operating divisions within the Department. The Division has five service units: the Budget & Financial Planning, Accounting & Procurement, Administrative & Property Management Services, Grants & Auditing, and Cost Recoveries. Its operating budget is approximately $2.8 billion, comprised of state and federal funding along with revenues received from fees and fines.
The Office of Health Information Technology (HIT) oversees the technology infrastructure, services and systems for the Department of Health which enables the department to deliver vital services to New Jersey's citizens and health care systems. With overall accountability for building a secure foundation to support the State’s health information network, HIT is committed to leveraging New Jersey’s technology resources to make information accessible anytime, anywhere. Expanding and strengthening communication via multiple channels while implementing practical solutions are key components of improving New Jersey’s health system.
The Office of Diversity and Equity Services ensures that all employees, applicants for employment and persons conducting business with the Department of Health encounter an environment that is free from prohibited discrimination or harassment in accordance with the New Jersey State Policy Prohibiting Discrimination in the Workplace and promotes a work environment that embraces the ideals of equality, dignity and respect.
Provides assistance and guidance to management and employees of the Department regarding personnel administration in the public sector.
Legislative Services serves as liaison with the Governor's office and in legislative matters relating to the Department of Health’s mission. During each legislative session, the Office is charged with tracking and assessing legislation, policy, and regulatory issues of importance to the Department. The Office serves as the principal contact and coordinator for all Department interaction with the Legislature and its staff. It assists in solving constituent issues for legislative and government offices, in consulting and corresponding with other government officials, and works with both industry representatives and the general public to explain and receive comments on policy proposals as well as existing policies.
The Office of Communications provides strategic internal and external communications, partnering with the major branches and offices of the Department to cover a wide range of issues related to public health, communicable disease, health care systems and financing, prevention and wellness. The Office of Communications works with news media from local, national, and international media outlets to share information essential to improving the health of New Jersey’s communities, connect the public with important information and services, and maintain transparency. As a matter of policy, all media inquiries and interview requests are answered within the Office of Communications. In addition to issuing traditional news releases, news advisories and public notices, DOH is strengthening its real-time communication channels.
The boards and commissions offer opportunities related to Department policy, regulations, and programs. Appointments are made by the Governor, which may require the Advice and Consent of the State Senate, while others are made by the Direct Appointment of the Governor. In addition, there are several Department Advisory Boards, in which the Commissioner appoints members.