New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

TRENTON – Governor-elect Jon S. Corzine today nominated Nina Mitchell Wells to serve as Secretary of State and renamed Major General Glenn K. Rieth as Adjutant General of New Jersey and head of the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs.

“I’m very pleased to name these two outstanding individuals to serve in my administration,” Corzine said. “I’ve always said that I’d choose nominees with impeccable credentials and distinguished experience, and I’m proud that both Nina Mitchell Wells and Major General Rieth have agreed to be a part of my team.”

Wells, who served as Vice President of Public Affairs for Schering-Plough until February 2004, graduated from Newton College of the Sacred Heart, now known as Boston College, and earned her law degree from Suffolk University Law School. Previously she served as Assistant Dean and Director of the minority student program and financial aid at Rutgers University School of Law. She resides in Livingston with her husband, and they have two children.

"I am honored and excited to join Governor Corzine's cabinet. I look forward to being a champion for New Jersey's extraordinary cultural and arts institutions,” said Wells. “I am very interested in partnering with foundations, corporations and interested individuals to ensure needed funding so these institutions can continue to flourish. These cultural institutions are the true jewels of New Jersey."

Major General Rieth has served as Adjutant General of New Jersey since 2002. During that time he has commanded over 9,000 soldiers and airmen of the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard. The General earned a Bachelor of Arts from The Citadel Military College of South Carolina where he was the Distinguished Military Graduate, he is also a graduate of the Army War College. The General resides in Ewing with his wife, and they have two children.

“I’m proud of the work that I’ve been able to accomplish for New Jersey’s veterans and military over the past few years,” said General Rieth. “I approach this continued opportunity to serve with great excitement and look forward to working every day for New Jersey’s veterans and our men and women in uniform.”

These are Governor-elect Corzine’s first cabinet appointments. All Department heads are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The only exception is the Secretary of Agriculture who is appointed by the Board of Agriculture pending the Governor’s approval.

The Department of State oversees arts, cultural and historical services in New Jersey. This includes the State Archives and Records Management, the State Museum, the Historical Commission, the Council on the Arts, the Cultural Trust, the Governor’s Office of Volunteerism, the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission, the Commission on American Indian Affairs, and the Office of Faith-Based Initiatives.

The Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs oversees veterans services in New Jersey as well as the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. The department is also responsible for the military response element of the state’s homeland security program.

Message from Major General Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General

I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the members of the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard, the employees of the NJ Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the Veterans community and its leaders for your support and hard work.

My reappointment as The Adjutant General by Governor-elect Corzine affirms the great accomplishments the DMVA team has achieved. I am humbled to be surrounded by thousands of dedicated an patriotic Soldiers, Airmen, and civilian employees. During the past four years, our team has been a shining beacon of excellence in support of our veterans, fellow service members, and their families.

Governor-elect Corzine has witnessed our commitment to the residents of New Jersey and is counting on the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to continue this tradition of service to the community, state and nation.

I am confident that we will continue to lead by example while providing unwavering support to those who wear or have worn the uniform – past, present, and future.