CODEY STATEMENT ON RICKETTS BEING NAMED TO LEAD DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

TRENTON – Senate President Richard J. Codey, D-Essex, issued the following statement regarding Governor Corzine’s announcement today that he has nominated Kimberly Ricketts to lead the Department of Children and Families as its new Commissioner:

“When Kim served as the Executive Director of the Governor’s Task Force on Mental Health, I witnessed firsthand her dedication to do the right thing for New Jersey’s most vulnerable residents. That dedication will serve her well as she leads the Department of Children and Families in continuing to implement reforms to keep the State’s most vulnerable kids safe.

“Kim Ricketts has the tools and talent to lead the Department moving forward, and I am confident that she will be able to continue upon the progress made by former Commissioner Kevin Ryan and current Acting Commissioner Eileen Crummy. I look forward to working with her to protect kids in greatest need, and ensure that New Jersey lives up to its obligation to keep at-risk children out of harm’s way.”