Official Site of The State of New JerseyOur Mission: Opportunity. Stability. Dignity.
The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development is dedicated to protecting our workforce, strengthening our businesses, and promoting the dignity of work.
Michael B. Marich, Acting Commissioner
Acting Commissioner Michael B. Marich, a seasoned public servant with over 29 years of experience at the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Rutgers University. His career is distinguished by his deep expertise in unemployment insurance, fraud prevention, and appeals management. As Deputy Commissioner, he oversaw key program areas including Income Security, Finance & Accounting, Temporary Disability Insurance, Family Disability Insurance, and Disability Determination Services. His extensive experience and leadership have been instrumental in furthering the department's mission and objectives.
Michael began his career in 1996 as a Claims Examiner in the Appeal Tribunal, handling disputed benefit claims. In 1998, he became a Fraud Investigator, conducting investigations into fraudulent unemployment claims. From 2001 to 2004, he served as an Appeals Examiner, adjudicating appeals and communicating with stakeholders. By 2004, he was a Supervisor of Investigations, managing a large team focused on fraud prevention. Between 2014 and 2017, he worked as an Administrative Analyst, improving processes and embracing technological advancements. From 2017 to 2023, he was an Executive Assistant, and in 2023, he was promoted to Deputy Assistant Commissioner, leading anti-fraud initiatives and enhancing customer satisfaction in the Department of Labor. In 2024, Michael was further promoted to Deputy Commissioner, where he continues to drive strategic initiatives and oversee key operations.
Michael remains actively engaged with colleagues nationwide through his participation in the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA), the National Association of Unemployment Insurance Appeals Professionals (NAUIAP), and the United States Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (USDOL-OIG). He is also actively involved in state-run initiatives, including Governor Murphy’s Task Force on Pandemic and Emergency Preparedness and the Anti-Fraud program with the Department of Taxation. Through these state and professional networks, he stays informed on industry trends and best practices, enhancing his ability to contribute effectively to his field. As a lifelong New Jersey resident, Michael, along with his wife, takes immense pride in living and raising their three children in the Garden State.
Julie Diaz, Deputy Commissioner
Julie Diaz is the Deputy Commissioner overseeing the areas of Workforce Development, Information Management, Wage & Hour Compliance, Public Safety & Occupational Safety and Health, and Vocational Rehabilitation Services. In this capacity, she plays an instrumental role in ensuring that these programs create a level playing field, for both workers and employers, and contribute to a stronger and fairer economy in our state.
From January 2018 to September 2022, Diaz was NJDOL’s Chief of Staff where she helped develop and implement the agency’s strategic plan, as well as managed all aspects of internal operations. Her commitment to public service is exemplary and longstanding. Her political experience began with a grassroots campaign for then-Senator Barack Obama. Diaz’s dedication to public service includes the position of Outreach Coordinator in the Office of Governor Jon Corzine, and Chief of Staff to a New Jersey state legislator. She proudly served as New Jersey Political Director for Local 32BJ SEIU (Service Employees International Union) – the largest property services union in the country. In addition, she served on various coalitions and boards that promote protections for immigrants, women’s equality, and worker protections.
A native New Jerseyan hailing from Middlesex County, Diaz holds an associate’s degree in Business Administration from Middlesex County College.
Emy A. Quispe
photo and bio coming soon
Senior Advisor/Assistant Commissioner
Kim G. Walker
Employment Accessibility Services
Charyl Yarbrough, Assistant Commissioner
The goal of Employment Accessibility Services is to exhibit excellence in providing services to those who seek New Jersey vocational rehabilitation and employment related services, Social Security disability determination services, short term wage replacements due to temporary disability, or family leave.
Finance and Accounting
Priyank Patel, Chief Financial Officer
Finance and Accounting is responsible for the Department’s internal financial systems and support.
Human Capital Strategies
Ebonik Gibson, Assistant Commissioner
Human Capital Strategies oversees departmental human resources services, equal opportunity, and the Office of Diversity and Compliance.
Income Security
Ronald Marino, Assistant Commissioner
Income Security oversees public-facing services including Fraud Prevention and Risk Management, Unemployment Insurance, Employer Accounts, and Appeal Tribunal.
Office of Information Management, Services and Solutions
Joseph Beck, Assistant Commissioner
Information Management, Services and Solutions oversees the technology and systems infrastructure that services the Department.
Office of Research and Information
Lesley Hirsch, Assistant Commissioner
Research and Information manages the department’s labor market and demographic research, and oversees the Office of Performance Accountability, and workforce research and analytics.
Public Safety and Occupational Safety and Health
Justin Baker, Assistant Commissioner
The Division of Public Safety and Occupational Safety and Health enforces laws and regulations that provide for safe and healthful working conditions throughout New Jersey's public and private sector.
Wage and Hour Compliance
Joseph Petrecca, Assistant Commissioner
The Division of Wage and Hour Compliance enforces labor laws that address conditions of employment and the method and manner of payment of wages.
Workers’ Compensation
Maria Del Valle-Koch, Director and Chief Judge
Workers' compensation provides medical treatment, wage replacement and permanent disability compensation to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses, and death benefits to dependents of workers who have died as a result of their employment.
Workforce Development
Yolanda Allen, Assistant Commissioner
The Division of Workforce Development is responsible for New Jersey’s workforce services, including vocational rehabilitation services, veteran’s services, and more.
Our three wage-replacement programs - Unemployment, Temporary Disability, and Family Leave Insurance - provide cash benefits to workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own, or are unable to work because they are sick or injured, caring for a family member, or bonding with a new child.
Our Division of Disability Determination Services helps individuals who are disabled and can’t work apply for cash benefits through the federal Social Security Disability Program.
All New Jersey workers – including members of immigrant and refugee communities – have protections under the law. If you believe you are entitled to overtime, lost wages, paid leave from work, or other benefits, we can help.
Browse or Wage and Hour Compliance, Public Safety and Occupational Safety and Health, and Workers' Compensation sites to learn more.
The Division of Workforce Development is responsible for New Jersey’s workforce services, including vocational rehabilitation services, veteran’s services, and more. The division oversees the One-Stop Career Centers throughout the state, which offer a variety of programs and services to help employers meet their need to secure talented workers.
Learn more about Workforce Development services here.
The Office of Research & Information (ORI) is New Jersey’s premier source for economic, labor market, and demographic data and analysis.
Browse our Labor Market Information site to learn more.
Our Division of Employer Accounts staff help employers throughout the state maintain compliance with Unemployment and Disability Insurance laws, while our Business Services Representatives provide concierge-like services, connecting employers with our statewide network of resources and referrals.
Browse our Employer Accounts and Business Support sites to learn more.
Office of the Commissioner
Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo is proud to oversee the state’s diverse services for New Jersey workers. The Commissioner’s Office is responsible for key operations, fiscal oversight, and ensuring the NJDOL fulfills its commitments to its constituents, employees, and the public.
Office of Communications and Marketing
Comms oversees all internal and external marketing and communications activities for NJDOL. Specifically, the Office is responsible for all NJDOL publications, forms, media/public relations materials, marketing activities, intranet content, web/online information, and video.
Office of Finance and Accounting
Finance and Accounting is responsible for the Department’s internal financial systems and support. The office is responsible for preparation of monthly financial statements, calculation of month end accruals, execution of journal entries, and payment of expenditures.
Office of Information Management, Services and Solutions
Office of Information Management, Services and Solutions (OIMSS) is a team of roughly 100 employees engaged in all aspects of IT Solution implementation and support. OIMSS’s work encompasses various branches of IT, including application development, desktop support, network health, data protection, business process analysis, project management and governance, contract review and solution engineering. OIMSS’s goal is to provide seamless delivery of technology services and facilitate the digital transformation of the Department of Labor while keeping abreast of the latest trends in the field.
Human Capital Strategies
Human Capital Strategies (HCS) oversees Human Resources, Labor Relations, Diversity and Compliance, Employee Development and Training, and Contract Compliance. HCS ensures the delivery of an efficient and effective operation through enforcement of Department, State, and Federal rules, regulations, policies, procedures and negotiated union agreements.
Administrative Services and Procurement
Administrative Services oversees facility management and maintenance, internal procurement, and emergency management processes.
Employee benefits
The Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) isn't just a great place to work -- it offers a long list of generous benefits, some of which aren't offered at other state departments.