Hudson County Names Desiree Grace to Lead New Office of Inspector General

Hudson County Executive Craig Guy appointed Desiree Grace to lead the county's first Office of Inspector General. The Board of County Commissioners passed the ordinance establishing the office unanimously last month, and commissioners are scheduled to vote on Grace's contract at their Thursday meeting.

County leaders proposed the inspector general office this summer. The ordinance followed concerns about county operations and came roughly six months after a separate local watchdog, the supervisor of weights and measures, was suspended. The new office is intended to monitor county government activities related to finances, personnel, and operations.

Grace spent nine years at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey. Her roles there included first assistant U.S. attorney, deputy chief of the criminal division, and criminal division chief. She currently is a partner at the Newark office of McCarter & English.

County Executive Guy described Grace's credentials as "impeccable" and said he had "no doubt she will lead the Office of Inspector General with integrity and independence." Hudson County Counsel Alberico De Pierro recommended Grace after a selection process, saying she was the right candidate and that her career aligned with safeguarding taxpayers.

Grace commented that she was honored to be considered and noted most of her career has focused on investigative work aimed at improving the community.

How Hudson County government is organized (relevant to the new office)

Hudson County's administration is run by the county executive and a paid staff. Elected County Commissioners (formerly called County Freeholders) vote on personnel, budgets, and policies. The inspector general will operate within that structure to provide independent oversight of county activities.

The primary next step is the commissioners' vote on Grace's contract at the Thursday meeting. Once finalized, the Office of Inspector General will begin operations under the terms of the ordinance passed last month.

Track the commissioners' vote and any public records describing the office's specific powers, reporting lines, budget, and staffing. Watch for initial investigations or reviews the inspector general launches and whether Grace remains a partner at McCarter & English while serving in the county role.

Hudson County has created its first inspector general office and appointed an experienced former federal prosecutor to lead it. The commissioners' upcoming contract vote will determine when the office becomes operational and how it will begin work overseeing county government.