Governor Mikie Sherrill today announced the appointment of Lisa Montalbano as Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and their Families. Montalbano will lead the Office of the IDDO, which is dedicated to helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families navigate New Jersey's systems of care and access State resources.
Governor Sherrill expressed her enthusiasm for the appointment, stating, "I am thrilled to appoint Lisa Montalbano to serve as Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Lisa brings more than two decades of experience connecting individuals with disabilities and their families with opportunities." Montalbano said she was "honored to be appointed" and looks forward to partnering with the Governor to ensure New Jerseyans with IDD can access necessary tools and resources.
The Ombudsperson's roles, established by P.L. 2017, c. 269, include serving as an information source, supporting navigation of services from the Department of Human Services and the Department of Children and Families, facilitating dispute resolutions, and identifying improvement strategies.
Montalbano previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Employment Horizons, a non-profit focused on employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, where she cultivated extensive relationships within the IDD community.