Peter McAleer Named Director of Office of Communications and Community Relations

Pete McAleer has been named director of the Office of Communications and Community Relations, Judge Glenn A. Grant, acting administrative director of the courts, announced today.  McAleer will succeed Winnie Comfort, who is retiring after 17 years as director.

“Winnie Comfort built the Office of Communications and Community Relations into a highly respected public information office, second to none in the state of New Jersey. As a consummate professional, her thoughtful counsel and advocacy for open government have been invaluable not only to the Judiciary but also the public,” Chief Justice Stuart Rabner said.  “Pete McAleer brings a record of success as both a communications director and a newspaper reporter. His experience inside and outside state government will serve the Judiciary well. I am confident that the office will continue its exceptional work under his leadership,” Chief Justice Stuart Rabner said.

The Office of Communications and Community Relations leads all of the Judiciary’s public information efforts, including media relations, publications, video production and maintenance of the court website. The office also oversees other important areas such as minority concerns, women in the courts, and litigant services, which encompass issues of access and fairness.  McAleer, who will take over the director’s role on Aug. 1, joined the Administrative Office of the Courts in 2015 as communications manager. Prior to joining the courts, McAleer served as the first director of communications for the New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller. From 1996 to 2008, McAleer worked as a newspaper reporter for various New Jersey publications, the last five of those years as the statehouse bureau chief for the Press of Atlantic City.

“Pete’s efforts and leadership as a Judiciary spokesperson, particularly in the area of Criminal Justice Reform, have been instrumental in communicating the great work of the Judiciary to the public,” said Judge Grant. “He will be a valuable addition and asset to our management team.”

“I would like to thank Chief Justice Rabner and Judge Grant for this tremendous opportunity,” McAleer said.  “Since my time as a reporter, I’ve been aware of the Judiciary’s peerless reputation and its commitment to transparency and open government under Winnie Comfort’s leadership. I’m honored to be given the opportunity to continue that tradition.”

###

For more information:
Winnie Comfort
Pete McAleer
609-815-2910