RELEASE: June 6, 2005

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Carol Grant Appointed DDD Director

Human Services Commissioner James Davy named Carol Grant the Director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). Grant will continue to oversee institutional and community-based services for more than 35,000 people who receive DDD services in New Jersey .

“Carol has been a part of the DDD leadership team that has improved conditions in our developmental centers, brought more federal dollars to the state, and championed consumer-focused programs like Real Life Choices, " said Davy.

"She is an innovative thinker with great compassion for people with developmental disabilities. I'm confident that she will continue that good work and be a strong leader for the division."

Grant, of North Brunswick , joined the Department of Human Services (DHS) in 1987 after serving as the executive director of Community Action Program Executive Director's Association (CAPEDA). She served in many capacities at DHS including special assistant and executive assistant to former commissioners and deputy commissioners.

She also served as acting director in the Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing for approximately one year. Grant replaced James W. Smith as acting DDD director about a year ago, when he was promoted to deputy commissioner.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to continue the transition toward greater empowerment for people with developmental disabilities,” said Grant. “I look forward to working with the entire developmental disabilities community to better meet the growing needs of the people we serve.”

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