James W. Smith

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.