Governor-elect Sherrill names leaders for newly created military, veterans departments
TRENTON, N.J. — Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill on Monday announced her cabinet picks to lead New Jersey’s newly restructured Departments of Military Affairs and Veterans Affairs, following the formal split of the state’s current Department of Military and Veterans Affairs set to take effect in January.
Legislation signed into law in September reorganizes the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs into two separate departments beginning Jan. 9, 2026. Under the plan, military operations and veterans services will be managed independently to better focus on their distinct missions.
Sherrill said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Yvonne L. Mays will continue serving as New Jersey’s Adjutant General and will be nominated to lead the newly established Department of Military Affairs. U.S. Army veteran Vincent Solomeno III, currently a deputy commissioner and the state’s administrator of veterans affairs, will be nominated as commissioner of the new Department of Veterans Affairs.
The governor-elect said she looks forward to working with both nominees to ensure the readiness of the New Jersey National Guard and to strengthen the delivery of services for veterans across the state.
“I’m honored to nominate two leaders who have served our country and our state throughout their lives. Both Brig. Gen. Yvonne Mays and Vincent Solomeno have proven track records of delivering for service members and veterans, and have the experience needed to ensure a smooth transition as the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs transforms to better serve our state, those who are currently serving, and our veterans,” Sherrill said. “Together, we will invest in New Jersey’s defense and technology economy, support National Guard members and their families, and expand access to resources for veterans who have put their lives on the line for our country.”
As adjutant general, Mays will continue leading more than 8,400 Soldiers and Airmen of the New Jersey National Guard while overseeing day-to-day Army and Air National Guard operations. Solomeno, if confirmed, will oversee a new department responsible for three veterans homes, two transitional housing facilities, 21 veterans service offices — one in each county — and the nation’s busiest state-run veterans cemetery.
“New Jersey is home to over 300,000 veterans. It’s the honor of my professional life to be nominated to continue to serve them,” Solomeno said. “The New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs will not only meet standards. We will exceed them. As the first woman veteran elected governor in the history of the United States, I know that Governor-elect Sherrill will always prioritize Garden State heroes and the people who love them.”
Mays said she was grateful for the opportunity to continue serving in her leadership role.
“I am deeply honored and grateful to the Governor-elect for the confidence placed in me to continue serving as The Adjutant General of New Jersey,” Mays said. “It remains the privilege of my career to serve our state and lead the Soldiers, Airmen, and civilian professionals of the New Jersey National Guard.”
Incoming First Gentleman Jason Hedberg also praised the nominations.
“Mikie and I both served in the Navy and believe deeply that here in New Jersey, our service members, veterans, and their families should have all the support they need,” Hedberg said. “I look forward to working with these two outstanding leaders to support New Jersey’s veterans and our National Guard.”
Mays assumed her role as adjutant general in July 2024 and brings more than four decades of military service, including deployments during Operation Just Cause, Operation Desert Shield/Storm, and post-9/11 missions such as Operations Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom.
Solomeno, a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, has led major expansions in veterans services statewide, including increasing the number of state veterans service offices from 14 to 21 and advancing improvements at the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Homes in Menlo Park, Paramus and Vineland.
Beginning in January, the Department of Veterans Affairs will focus exclusively on housing, health care, mental health services and benefits for veterans and their families, while the Department of Military Affairs will continue overseeing National Guard operations and military readiness.
Sherrill, a former member of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, has been a longtime advocate for veterans and service members, sponsoring and supporting legislation on health care access, toxic exposure, mental health support and military readiness during her time in Congress.
