New Jersey Human Services Acting Commissioner Stephen Cha announced this week the appointment of Jade Bechelli as chief of staff. Bechelli, a veteran public servant with nearly 20 years of experience in state government and policy, joins the leadership team of the state’s largest department.
In her new role, Bechelli will oversee strategic planning, intergovernmental coordination, and department-wide operational priorities. Her appointment comes as the department continues to modernize services for the millions of New Jersey residents who rely on its programs for health care, food assistance, and disability support.
Bechelli’s extensive background spans a wide array of critical policy areas, including education, food security, child care, and family economic stability. Most recently, she served as a Senior Policy Advisor to Governor Phil Murphy, where she helped shape the administration’s human services agenda.
“Jade Bechelli is a deeply experienced and trusted public servant,” Acting Commissioner Cha said. “Her institutional knowledge, policy expertise, and values-driven approach will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen the services that New Jerseyans rely on every day.”
Before joining the executive branch, Bechelli spent over a decade in the New Jersey General Assembly, notably serving as director of policy to the assembly majority leader. During that time, she was a key figure in the Assembly Human Services and Budget Committees. She also previously served as the Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.
For Bechelli, the mission of the Department of Human Services is personal.
“This work is informed by my family’s lived experience and a longstanding commitment to building systems that truly support people where they are,” Bechelli said. “I am grateful to Commissioner Cha for his leadership and trust, and I look forward to continuing this work on behalf of New Jersey’s families.”
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Education: Master’s degree from George Washington University; Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Women and Gender Studies from Arcadia University.
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Residence: Bechelli lives in Camden County with her husband, daughter, and stepson.
The Department of Human Services oversees vital state programs including NJ FamilyCare, SNAP, and the Division of Developmental Disabilities, serving roughly one in three New Jersey residents.
