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James W. Smith was named Director of the Division
of Developmental Disabilities in February, 2002, after serving a
one-year appointment as Acting Human Services Commissioner. Previously,
he served as the Department's Deputy Commissioner, Family and Health
Services, overseeing the Divisions of Developmental Disabilities,
Youth and Family Services, Mental Health Services, and Deaf and
Hard of Hearing, as well as the Commission for the Blind and Visually
Impaired, the Office of Education and the Division of Disability
Services.
Previously, Mr. Smith served as Assistant Commissioner for Public
Affairs, directing activities related to state and federal legislators,
the Office of Child Abuse Prevention, the Office of Volunteerism
and various community organizations and Human Services constituencies.
During his tenure with the Department, Mr. Smith also served as
Acting Director of the Division of Youth and Family Services, Acting
Director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities and Special
Assistant to former Commissioner, William Waldman. In addition,
he was a special advisor to Joseph A. Califano, former US Secretary
of Health, Education and Welfare, on a project related to alcoholism
and drug prevention and treatment programs.
Mr. Smith holds a Masters Degree from the Rutgers Graduate School
of Social Work. He began his career as a caseworker for General
Assistance in the City of Plainfield. He resides in Jackson with
his wife and two children.
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