The Navy veteran would investigate complaints, oversee the state’s veterans homes, and help veterans and their families obtain services.

Gov. Mikie Sherrill has nominated Navy veteran and longtime government official Michael Embrich to serve as New Jersey’s first independent advocate for veterans and their families.

If confirmed by the state Senate, Embrich will lead the Office of the Veteran Advocate, which lawmakers created in 2025 to investigate complaints about veterans’ care and services and provide independent oversight of state-run veterans homes.

The office is housed within New Jersey’s newly independent Department of Veterans Affairs but will operate separately from the department it oversees.

The veteran advocate will have the authority to inspect veterans homes and other facilities, investigate allegations of abuse or neglect, recommend improvements, and monitor whether corrective actions are carried out. The advocate will also investigate broader problems involving veterans services, help veterans obtain benefits, and represent their interests before state and federal agencies.

“As a fellow Navy veteran, I understand that our obligation to those who served does not end when they take off the uniform,” Sherrill said in announcing the nomination. “New Jersey’s veterans deserve a strong, independent voice focused entirely on their well-being and on ensuring government delivers the care, services, and support they have earned.”

Embrich served in the Navy during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt. His military honors include the Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Unit Commendation, and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.

After leaving the military, Embrich held senior positions in the New Jersey General Assembly, including serving as a chief of staff. He later worked as deputy chief of public affairs for the U.S. Army, served as an alternate to the U.S. Treasury taxpayer advocate for New Jersey, and advised the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs on policy issues.

He also helped advocate for the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 and served as state commander of the New Jersey Catholic War Veterans.

Embrich holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in political science from Rutgers University.

“I look forward to serving as an independent and trusted voice for veterans and their families,” Embrich said, adding that he hopes to strengthen services, promote accountability, and improve veterans’ lives.

The nomination comes during the first year of operations for the standalone Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans programs previously fell under the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

Department Commissioner Vincent Solomeno said the agency would respect the advocate’s independence while working with the new office.

“Veterans deserve services that are responsive, transparent, and worthy of the sacrifices they made for our country,” Solomeno said.

State Sen. Joe Cryan, who helped create the office, said its purpose is to ensure veterans and their families have an official whose sole responsibility is to advocate for them and hold government accountable.

“Moving this nomination forward is an important step in fulfilling the promise of this new agency,” Cryan said.

The Department of Veterans Affairs operates veterans memorial homes in Paramus, Menlo Park, and Vineland. According to the Sherrill administration, all three facilities currently have five-star ratings from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.