Governor Phil Murphy today announced his intention to nominate Kevin Dehmer to serve as the next Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Education (DOE). He will succeed Acting Commissioner Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, who announced her retirement after three years in the position.

“Ensuring that New Jersey’s schools are ready to meet the ever-changing and evolving needs of our communities is crucial. Nobody is better prepared to meet this charge than Kevin, who has spent more than 15 years at the New Jersey Department of Education, including two stints as Interim Commissioner. His wealth of experience in education policy and proven commitment to improving educational outcomes for all New Jersey students will make him an indispensable asset,” said Governor Murphy. “A resounding thank you to Angelica for her leadership during incredibly challenging times for our schools. I wish her all the best in her retirement.”

“It has been a great privilege to lead the New Jersey Department of Education after a long career spent in service to New Jersey’s schools,” said Acting DOE Commissioner Angelica Allen-McMillan. “I wish the Murphy Administration continued success in advancing our shared goals for maintaining New Jersey’s place as home to the best public education system in the country.”

“It is an incredible honor to be selected to serve as the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Education. Thank you, Governor Murphy, for the opportunity to continue advancing our shared mission of uplifting our best-in-the-nation public schools to ensure all students have the opportunity to succeed,” said incoming Acting DOE Commissioner Kevin Dehmer. “I look forward to reprising my role as commissioner in a more permanent capacity and getting to work on behalf of our students, educators, and our school communities.”

Since 2022, Dehmer has served as Executive Director of the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University, where he led a group of researchers focused on strategies that enhance workers’ skills and employability through education and training programs.

Prior to this, he worked at the New Jersey Department of Education where he held several leadership roles including Assistant Commissioner and Chief Financial Officer. Over more than 15 years at the Department, he directed numerous offices and served on several state councils, advisory groups, and commissions. Dehmer also briefly served as Interim Commissioner in 2018 and 2020.