NJBIA’s MDM Series: Governor’s Key Advisors

Alex Ball serves as Chief of Staff to New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, overseeing the Governor’s executive office, coordinating senior staff, and guiding the administration’s strategic and policy priorities. She assumed this role after serving as Campaign Manager for Governor Sherrill’s successful gubernatorial campaign, which culminated in a decisive 13‑point victory. Ball also previously served as Sherrill’s Chief of Staff in the U.S. House of Representatives, where she directed legislative strategy, constituent services, and daily operations. Her experience across both federal and state government has made her a trusted advisor and a central driver of the Governor’s agenda.

Before working with Governor Sherrill, Ball spent more than a decade in Democratic campaigns and political strategy at the national level. She served as National Political Director for Frontline at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), overseeing efforts to protect vulnerable Democratic incumbents, and as Incumbent Protection Director at EMILY’s List. Ball also managed major congressional campaigns, including Josh Gottheimer’s 2016 race in New Jersey’s 5th District and Jason Crow’s 2018 victory in Colorado’s 6th District. Earlier in her career, she worked as Finance Director for Congresswoman Cheri Bustos and held fundraising roles on state and federal campaigns.

Ball graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a degree in Political Science and Government.

Kellie Doucette serves as New Jersey’s first Chief Operating Officer, a newly created role designed to drive efficiency, transparency, and accountability throughout state government. As Chief Operating Officer, Doucette oversees daily operations and leads transformation initiatives in the executive branch, partnering with the governor’s cabinet to modernize state processes, achieve operational excellence, and coordinate cross-agency collaboration to make life more affordable for New Jerseyans.

Doucette previously served as Executive Director of the Sherrill-Caldwell Gubernatorial Transition. She brings deep experience in management, strategy, and organizational development from senior leadership roles in both government and the private sector. As District Director for Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s (NJ-11) congressional office, she oversaw district operations, coordinated with the legislative team in Washington, and managed constituent and political outreach. She worked closely with local officials on a bipartisan basis to address issues including flooding, water infrastructure, superfund remediation, public safety, housing affordability, mental health, reproductive health, economic development, veteran health care, and support for Picatinny Arsenal.

Prior to her government service, Doucette began her career in healthcare policy and worked for many years as an actuary in the individual disability and long-term care reinsurance markets.

Doucette earned her bachelor’s degree in economics from Harvard University, and completed her Associateship of the Society of Actuaries during her time working in the private sector.