Mercer Times

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has announced leadership changes within the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety. Sundeep Iyer will rejoin the Office of Attorney General, taking on the role of Acting Executive Assistant Attorney General while Angela Cai is on temporary family medical leave in early spring 2025. Yolanda Melville has been appointed as Director of the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights.

The appointments will be effective March 19, 2025. Platkin praised Iyer's previous work, stating, "Put simply, Sundeep Iyer has transformed our state’s efforts to protect the civil rights of our residents." He also expressed confidence in Melville's appointment: "I am also thrilled to appoint Yolanda Melville...as the next Director of the Division on Civil Rights."

Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Commission on Civil Rights have approved Melville’s appointment as required by statute. Governor Murphy remarked, "As Sundeep elevates to the role of Acting Executive Assistant Attorney General, I am thrilled to welcome Yolanda Melville as the Director of the Division on Civil Rights."

John Traier, Chair of the New Jersey Commission on Civil Rights, expressed appreciation for Iyer's service and welcomed Melville: “We welcome Yolanda Melville as the next Director of the Division.”

During his tenure since January 2023 as Director of the Division on Civil Rights, Iyer initiated several significant actions including enforcement against housing discrimination and launching initiatives such as a Civil Rights and Technology Initiative.

Iyer reflected on his new role: “I am deeply grateful to Attorney General Platkin for entrusting me with this honor.” Meanwhile, Melville expressed her commitment: “I am humbled by the opportunity to serve New Jersey as its Director...and thank Governor Murphy and Attorney General Platkin for entrusting me with this responsibility.”

The Division is responsible for enforcing anti-discrimination laws in various sectors including workforce and housing.