Myers, N.J.’s first transgender cabinet official, confirmed by Senate as Civil Service Commission chair

Allison Chris Myers was confirmed by the State Senate today as the chair and CEO of the New Jersey Civil Service Commission, making her – among other things – the first openly transgender Senate-confirmed cabinet official in New Jersey history.

Just this morning, Myers came before the Senate Judiciary Committee, where senators approved her nomination unanimously without asking a single question. Two hours later, her nomination passed the full Senate 37-0.

“Going forward, it will be necessary to consider new ways of accomplishing recruiting and retention goals, and to continue meeting the needs of public service employers in the state of New Jersey,” Myers said in the Judiciary Committee. “I know I’m up for this challenge, and I appreciate being considered for this opportunity.”

Myers was nominated by Gov. Phil Murphy in December of last year to succeed Deirdré Webster Cobb, who had led the Civil Service Commission since the beginning of Murphy’s first term. Webster Cobb stepped down on January 1, and Myers has led the commission on an acting basis since then.

The Civil Service Commission, formerly known as the Department of Personnel, is primarily tasked with maintaining the state government workforce. Myers has worked at the commission since 2001, becoming its deputy director in June 2022.

It’s not uncommon for cabinet officials in New Jersey to begin falling away in a governor’s second term. Banking and Insurance Commissioner Marlene Caride may similarly depart soon after being nominated to a Superior Court judgeship, though her nomination was delayed from a planned committee hearing today; she and Webster Cobb are unlikely to be the last cabinet members to make moves towards the exit in the next two and a half years.