TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Mikie Sherrill has nominated U.S. Navy veteran and longtime veterans advocate Michael Embrich to serve as New Jersey’s first veteran advocate, a newly created position that will oversee services and advocate for veterans and their families across the state.
If confirmed by the New Jersey Senate, Embrich will lead the Office of the Veteran Advocate, which was established by the Legislature in 2025. The office is housed within the New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs but is designed to operate independently.
The office will provide oversight of the state’s veterans homes and other veterans facilities, with authority to inspect operations, investigate allegations of abuse or neglect, recommend improvements and monitor corrective actions. It also will investigate broader concerns involving veterans services, help connect veterans with benefits and represent veterans’ interests before state and federal agencies.
“As a fellow Navy veteran, I understand that our obligation to those who served does not end when they take off the uniform. New Jersey’s veterans deserve a strong, independent voice focused entirely on their well-being and on ensuring government delivers the care, services, and support they have earned,” said Gov. Sherrill. “Michael has spent his career fighting for veterans and military families at every level of government. His experience, integrity, and deep commitment to service make him the right person to become New Jersey’s first Veteran Advocate.”
The nomination comes during the first year of operation for New Jersey’s standalone Department of Veterans Affairs.
“Veterans deserve services that are responsive, transparent, and worthy of the sacrifices they made for our country,” said New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Vincent Solomeno. “Michael brings a veteran’s perspective, decades of public-service experience, and a clear record of advocating for veterans and their families. The Department welcomes this new partnership, and we look forward to working with Michael while fully respecting the independence that is fundamental to his role.”
According to the governor’s office, the Department of Veterans Affairs has made improvements at the state’s Veterans Memorial Homes through investments in staff, medical equipment and technology. The administration said all three homes now hold five-star overall ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
“I am deeply honored to be nominated by Governor Sherrill to serve as New Jersey’s first Veteran Advocate,” said Michael Embrich, nominee for Veteran Advocate. “Governor Sherrill’s commitment to veterans is personal, and she has made supporting those who served a priority throughout her career. I look forward to serving as an independent and trusted voice for veterans and their families, working alongside Commissioner Solomeno and the Department of Veterans Affairs to strengthen services, promote accountability, and improve the lives of veterans across the Garden State.”
“We created the Office of the Veteran Advocate to ensure veterans and their families always have someone whose sole responsibility is to stand up for their needs, protect their well-being, and hold government accountable,” said Sen. Joe Cryan. “I applaud the Governor for prioritizing our veteran community. Moving this nomination forward is an important step in fulfilling the promise of this new agency.”
Embrich is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom and previously served as a policy adviser to the U.S. secretary of veterans affairs. His public service career has included leadership positions in the New Jersey General Assembly, service as deputy chief of public affairs for the U.S. Army, and work as an alternate to the U.S. Treasury Taxpayer Advocate for New Jersey. He has also held leadership roles with the New Jersey Catholic War Veterans and has advocated for veterans on issues including health care, education, benefits and the transition to civilian life.
