Department of Economic Development

Diego Otero, Bureau Chief

Responsible for the County’s data center, wide-area high-speed network, and office technology.

Plans, develops and manages software applications to improve workflow processes in County offices.

Manuel E. Ramirez, Director

The Bureau of ADA Compliance shall ensure compliance with federal and state disability rights laws by the County and will assist municipalities and school districts within the County with training and guidance.

The Bureau monitors and assists the implementation of the County ADA Transition Plan to ensure full programmatic and communication accessibility to persons with disabilities.

The Bureau also monitors the County Employees Access and Inclusion Solution Process procedure for disability complaints.

Antonio Rivera, M.S.W., Director

Directs training investments to create sustainable jobs, develops marketing strategies to promote business services, and designs competitive economic and workforce policies.

Phil Kandl, Division Director

Partners with communities and non-profit agencies to reduce the causes of poverty, increase job opportunities, economic security for individuals/families and revitalize communities.

Our social service and community development programs work in a variety of ways to improve the lives of many.

Oversees the federally funded Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG). CDBG funds are used for a wide range of community development activities directed toward neighborhood revitalization, economic development, social service programs and improvements to community facilities.

  • Phone: 908-527-4213
  • Fax: 908-352-3980

Increases access to decent housing and suitable living environments for low and very-low income families through federally funded programs such as the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8), the HOME Program, and CDBG program.

Deana Mesaros, Division Director

Develops strategic plans for the County, focusing on economic competitiveness and growth, transportation, land use and sustainability.  Coordinates and aligns policies and initiatives across County departments and governmental agencies through outreach and shared services.

Jeff Brooks, Coordinator

W. Geoff Smith , Coordinator

Judith Guest, Coordinator

Jennifer Erdos, Coordinator

Elizabeth Montes, Coordinator

Robert Charkowsky, Coordinator

  • E-mail: rcharkowsky@ucnj.org
  • Phone: 908-527-4897