Jan. 28, 2025

(TRENTON) – New Jersey Human Services Acting Commissioner Stephen Cha today announced he has named Jade Bechelli as Chief of Staff, bringing nearly two decades of experience in state government and public policy to the department’s leadership team.

“Jade Bechelli is a deeply experienced and trusted public servant whose career has been defined by a commitment to improving the lives of children, families, and communities across New Jersey,” Acting Commissioner Cha said. “Her institutional knowledge, policy expertise, and values-driven approach will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen and modernize the services that millions of residents rely on every day.”

As Chief of Staff, Bechelli among other duties will oversee strategic planning, intergovernmental coordination, and department-wide policy and operational priorities in support of the Department’s mission to advance opportunity for New Jersey residents.

“It is a privilege to serve as Chief of Staff at the Department of Human Services,” Bechelli said. “This work is deeply personal to me, informed by my family’s lived experience and a longstanding commitment to building systems that truly support people where they are. 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 and communities.”

Bechelli brings nearly 20 years of experience in public service, having worked across a broad range of policy areas including education, child care, food security, youth mental health, women’s issues, and family economic stability. Prior to joining the Department of Human Services, she served as a senior policy advisor to Governor Phil Murphy.

Earlier in her career, Bechelli spent many years in the New Jersey General Assembly, including serving as Director of Policy to the Assembly Majority Leader. In that role, she supported several legislative committees, including the Assembly Human Services Committee and the Assembly Budget Committee. She also previously served as Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.

Bechelli holds a master’s degree from The George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management and a bachelor’s degree in political science and women and gender studies from Arcadia University. She lives in Camden County with her husband, daughter, and stepson.