Kevin Dehmer, Executive Director and Senior Researcher at Rutgers University’s Heldrich Center for Workforce Development, is departing the Center in February to serve as New Jersey’s Commissioner of Education. He was nominated by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and joins his cabinet. Previously, Kevin served in leadership positions at the New Jersey Department of Education and twice was the Acting Commissioner.

During his tenure as Executive Director, Kevin provided outstanding leadership, supervising over 25 research and administrative professionals on multi-million-dollar projects aimed at raising the effectiveness of state and federal education, workforce, and social programs. He has been integrally involved in strengthening the New Jersey Statewide Data System and assessing strategies for addressing the shortage of teachers in New Jersey’s schools.

Dr. Carl Van Horn, Center Director and Distinguished Professor of Public Policy at Rutgers University’s Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, commented, "I congratulate Kevin on his nomination to lead the Department of Education. I am confident he will make a very positive impact on the lives of New Jersey’s students, families, teachers, and schools. My colleagues and I are deeply grateful to Kevin for his contributions to the Center and wish him much success during the next stage of his extraordinary career."