Lt. Gov-elect Dale Caldwell, who has a strong background in business and higher education, will serve Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill as secretary of state, it was announced Monday.
Sherrill said Caldwell brings decades of leadership experience in public service, education, economic development and nonprofit management to the role. As secretary of state, he will oversee the state’s elections, arts and cultural initiatives, small business services, and efforts to promote tourism and civic participation.
“I was lucky to have Dale Caldwell as my running mate this year, and now I am thrilled he has agreed to serve as our next secretary of state,” Sherrill said at an event in New Brunswick.
“Dale has spent his entire career bringing people together and delivering results for his community. His experience, integrity, and deep commitment to empowering every New Jerseyan make him the ideal leader to steward our democratic institutions and promote the cultural and civic vitality of our state.” Caldwell is nationally recognized for his work in community leadership, urban education and economic development. He has previously served as executive director of the Rutgers University Institute for Leadership and has held key roles across state government, nonprofit organizations and higher education. He also brings extensive experience in promoting small business growth and expanding voter education and civic participation initiatives. (Analytics show his spot on the ticket was of great help to the campaign.)
“I am honored to serve as New Jersey’s next secretary of state and grateful to Governor-elect Sherrill for her trust,” Caldwell said. “The Department of State plays a critical role in strengthening our democracy, supporting our creative economy, and ensuring New Jersey remains a vibrant place to live, work and visit.”
As secretary of state, Caldwell will lead one of New Jersey’s most diverse portfolios—responsible for safeguarding election processes, supporting arts and history organizations, running the state’s Business Action Center, promoting the state’s tourism economy and ensuring that the foundations of New Jersey’s civic life remain strong.
Last week, at an event sponsored by utility groups, he offered a sense of how the new administration will operate.
On Monday, he reiterated a pledge of inclusiveness.
“I look forward to working with partners across the state to expand civic engagement, support our small business community, bolster our cultural institutions and uphold the integrity of our elections,” he said.
