Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill announced that Kellie Doucette will serve as New Jersey’s first Chief Operating Officer (COO). This is a newly created role designed to drive efficiency, transparency and accountability across state government.
Doucette is a Harvard graduate with a degree in economics. She also served as district director of Sherrill’s congressional office from 2019-2024.
As COO, Doucette will oversee day-to-day operations and transformation initiatives in the executive branch, working closely with the governor’s cabinet to deliver results for New Jersey families.
“Kellie Doucette has spent her career focused on bringing people together, solving tough problems and making organizations work better for the people they serve,” said Governor-elect Sherrill. “As New Jersey’s first chief operating officer, Kellie will help us build a dynamic government that focuses relentlessly on getting results — starting with our priority of making life more affordable for the people of New Jersey.”
Doucette, who currently serves as executive director of the Sherrill Gubernatorial Transition, has previously held senior leadership roles in both the government and private sectors. She brings deep experience in management, strategy and organizational development — including prior work advancing initiatives in infrastructure, workforce development and public engagement.
Under Sherrill’s leadership, Doucette will serve as a key member of the governor’s senior team, focusing on modernizing state processes and systems, achieving operational excellence, and coordinating across agencies. She will work closely with Governor-elect Sherrill’s incoming Chief of Staff Alex Ball and Chief Counsel Tim Lydon.
“I’m deeply honored to take on this new role,” said Doucette. “Governor-elect Sherrill’s vision for a more efficient, transparent and innovative government is exactly what New Jersey needs right now. I’m excited to focus everything we do on results and customer service — cutting red tape, breaking down silos and ensuring New Jersey’s public servants have the resources they need to make New Jersey stronger and more affordable.”
