Doria Sworn in as Community Affairs Commissioner


TRENTON, N.J. - Surrounded by friends, family, Governor Jon S. Corzine and members of the state legislature, Joseph Doria was sworn in today as Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs by Superior Court Judge Mary Carol Jacobson.  The ceremony took place in the Senate Chambers at the State House.

“Joe Doria’s nearly three decades of experience in both state and local government in New Jersey makes him the best choice to be the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs,” said Governor Jon S. Corzine.  “He has long been a champion of better housing, a champion of economic development, a champion of improving our education system, a champion of health care, and a champion of public safety.  I am confident that Joe will help us to fulfill our important obligations such as providing affordable housing to our citizens and facilitating shared services between municipalities.”  

"I thank Governor Corzine for this opportunity and I am honored to lead the Department of Community Affairs," said Commissioner Doria.  "In my short time at DCA, we have already made great strides towards assisting New Jersey residents on a variety of issues and I look forward to continuing my work with advocates, non-profit organizations and local officials." 

Doria had been serving as Acting Commissioner of the Department since October 9th, 2007.  In that time, he has presided over the release of COAH’s revised third round rules and formed a Housing Policy Task Force which will look at various aspects of affordable as well as low moderate and workforce priced housing in New Jersey

Doria served as Mayor of Bayonne from 1998 until 2007, and also served as an Assemblyman from 1979 until 2004 and State Senator from 2004 until 2007 for the 31st Legislative District.  He served as Speaker of the Assembly from 1990 until 1992 and also as Minority Leader from 1992 until 2002.  Doria graduated Magne Cum Laude from Saint Peter’s College with majors in History, English and French, holds a Master’s Degree in American Studies from Boston College, and received his doctorate in Organizational Leadership and Education Administration from Teachers College, Columbia University.  He and his wife, Maribeth, were married in 1978 and have one daughter, Margaret Mary.

The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) was created to provide administrative guidance, financial support and technical assistance to local governments, community development organizations, businesses and individuals to improve the quality of life in New Jersey. DCA offers a wide range of programs and services that respond to issues of public concern including fire and building safety, housing production, community planning and development, and local government management and finance.