Gov. Mikie Sherrill on Friday announced the appointment of Lisa Montalbano to serve as the state’s Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and their Families.
Montalbano will take the helm of the Office of the IDDO, a state agency dedicated to helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families navigate New Jersey’s complex systems of care. The office focuses on expanding access to state resources that facilitate personal independence, community integration and dignity.
Montalbano transitions into the state ombudsperson role following a successful tenure as the Chief Executive Officer of Employment Horizons, a prominent New Jersey nonprofit organization focused on expanding workforce development and career opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Throughout her career, she has cultivated deep, foundational relationships with families and disability advocacy groups across the state.
“Lisa brings more than two decades of experience connecting individuals with disabilities and their families with opportunities,” Sherrill said in a statement. “I am confident that under her leadership, this Office will serve as an invaluable resource in ensuring New Jersey residents can connect with the State’s diverse array of supports and services.”
Montalbano expressed readiness to tackle the systemic challenges facing New Jersey families. “I am honored to be appointed to serve as New Jersey’s Ombudsman,” Montalbano noted. “I look forward to partnering with the Governor to ensure New Jerseyans with intellectual and developmental disabilities can access the tools and resources to thrive.”
Established under state statute (P.L. 2017, c. 269), the Office of the Ombudsman functions as an independent, neutral, and objective resource for families struggling to secure appropriate care structures.
