TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Mikie Sherrill on Wednesday nominated Jeanne Hengemuhle, a 26-year veteran of the New Jersey State Police, to serve as the agency’s next superintendent and announced Mary Cruz as her pick to lead the New Jersey Civil Service Commission.
Hengemuhle, who rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel during her tenure with the State Police, will assume the role of acting superintendent effective Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. She will replace Lt. Col. David Sierotowicz, who has served as interim superintendent since Jan. 1.
“Jeanne Hengemuhle is a dedicated public servant with decades of experience in the State Police. She understands not only the responsibilities of the job, but also the profound duty to serve and protect our communities each and every day,” said Governor Sherrill. “I look forward to working alongside Jeanne to continue our mission of keeping New Jerseyans safe.”
Sherrill also thanked Sierotowicz for his leadership during two recent winter storms.
“I also want to thank Lieutenant Colonel David Sierotowicz for his unwavering dedication to the people of New Jersey. In just one month, our state has seen two historic winter storms, and as the acting head of the Office of Emergency Management, Lieutenant Colonel Sierotowicz helped ensure we responded quickly and efficiently to mitigate the impact of the storms and safeguard our residents. We owe him a debt of gratitude,” continued Governor Sherrill.
Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said Hengemuhle’s background prepares her for the role.
“Jeanne Hengemuhle dedicated her career to making New Jersey safer. Her experience with the New Jersey State Police gives her a deep understanding of the demands of the role and the innovations and trust that modern policing requires,” said Acting Attorney General Davenport. “She believes that each of us is deserving of dignity, respect, and justice, and I welcome the opportunity to work alongside her on behalf of the people of New Jersey.”
Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell also voiced support for the nomination.
“Our State Troopers play a vital role in keeping New Jersey communities safe,” said Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dale Caldwell. “Jeanne Hengemuhle’s 26 years of service make her uniquely qualified to lead the New Jersey State Police. I am confident that with Jeanne at its helm, our State Police will be ready to weather the challenges that lie ahead, with a focus on the pursuit of justice for all.”
Hengemuhle said she is ready to take on the position.
“It is an honor to once again answer the call to protect and serve the State of New Jersey. As a veteran of the State Police, I know firsthand the critical role our Troopers play in building strong community partnerships and safeguarding our residents against potential harm,” said incoming Acting Superintendent Jeanne Hengemuhle. “I am grateful that Governor Sherrill has entrusted me with this position, and I will strive to lead with the State Police’s core values of Honor, Duty, and Fidelity.”
Hengemuhle previously served as branch commander of the administration branch, overseeing recruiting, personnel development and training strategy. She is a graduate of The College of New Jersey and the FBI National Academy’s 254th class.
Sherrill also announced that she has nominated Mary Cruz to serve as chair and chief executive officer of the New Jersey Civil Service Commission, the cabinet-level agency responsible for personnel management, workforce examinations and labor relations across state and local government.
“I am thrilled to nominate Mary Cruz to be Chair and CEO of the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. As a labor leader for one of the largest healthcare unions in the nation and a top advisor in the halls of Congress, Mary has been a constant advocate for New Jersey workers. Mary believes deeply in the work of New Jersey’s incredible public servants – she’s one herself – and understands that a strong, professional civil service is essential to delivering the efficient, responsive government our residents deserve,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “I also want to thank Allison Chris Myers for serving as interim Chair and CEO through the transition and am grateful to have her continued expertise as an advisor to the commission.”
Cruz said she is honored by the nomination.
“I am incredibly honored to be nominated to serve in Governor Sherrill’s administration. Throughout my career in public service, I have strived to ensure that working people are treated with dignity and respect — and that the systems we rely on are fair, transparent, and accountable. I look forward to working each and every day with our state’s dedicated public servants to strengthen our civil service system, support the workforce that keeps New Jersey running, and help deliver the high-quality services our residents deserve,” said Mary Cruz.
Cruz most recently served as chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross and previously held leadership roles with 1199SEIU and the New Jersey Healthcare Workers Alliance. She began her public service career as district director for former U.S. Rep. John Adler and is a graduate of Washington College.
