Omar Diaz Newark

Omar Diaz Newark is a dedicated public servant and influential leader in Wayne, New Jersey. He currently serves as the Assistant Division Director at the New Jersey Department of Transportation. In this capacity, he oversees the management of transportation infrastructure, safety, and maintenance operations, underscoring his deep commitment to community welfare and safety through both professional endeavors and local organizational involvement.

Born in Belleville, New Jersey, and raised in Newark, he completed his early education in local schools before advancing to Rutgers University in Newark. In 2005, he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in History and a Minor in Urban Education. He also participated in the Urban Teacher Education Program, which equipped him with a secondary teacher certification. His educational pursuits continued, culminating in an Executive Master of Public Administration degree from Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration in 2015, where he focused on Nonprofit and Public Performance Management and achieved a 4.0 GPA.

His career commenced at Northern State Prison as a Senior Corrections Officer, a position that fueled his passion for public service and led him to the Newark Police Academy. There, he trained and subsequently served as a police officer. He swiftly rose through the ranks, eventually commanding the Newark Police Major Crimes Criminal Intelligence Division, where he played a crucial role in community safety operations. His leadership skills were further recognized when he was appointed as the head of the New Jersey State Police's Real-Time Crime Center, part of the NJ ROIC, leading diverse teams across multiple law enforcement agencies.

His career milestone was reached when he was promoted to Captain in the Newark Police Department, becoming the first Dominican-American to hold this rank within the city. In this role, he was pivotal in managing the Newark Metro Business Downtown District, ensuring safety and coordinating operations effectively. He also played a crucial role in managing security operations at significant Newark venues, such as the Prudential Center and Newark Symphony Hall, where he developed and implemented comprehensive risk management policies.