Former NJDOH Assistant Commissioner Receives Settlement and Has All Ethics Allegations Dismissed
HOLMDEL, NEW JERSEY (March 27, 2025) – Former Assistant Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health’s Division of Public Health Infrastructure, Laboratories, and Emergency Preparedness, Christopher Neuwirth, has reached a $2.25 million settlement with the State of New Jersey to resolve his whistleblower lawsuit. At the same time, the New Jersey State Ethics Commission has officially dismissed all allegations that Mr. Neuwirth violated state ethics rules during his tenure.
Mr. Neuwirth filed suit in 2020 following his termination from the Department of Health, alleging that he was retaliated against after reporting unethical conduct by senior state officials. Mr. Neuwirth alleged in the lawsuit that his termination violated the New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act (“CEPA”). The litigation has now concluded with a financial settlement and the complete dismissal of the parallel ethics investigation that had been cited by the administration at the time of his removal.
“From day one, I maintained that I acted ethically, lawfully, and in the best interest of the people of New Jersey,” said Neuwirth. “The resolution of this matter—both the settlement and the full dismissal of the ethics case—affirms what I’ve said all along. I am grateful this long and difficult chapter is finally closed.”
In its final decision, the State Ethics Commission concluded that there was no basis to proceed with the allegations that Mr. Neuwirth had improperly used his position for outside business interests or failed to recuse himself from matters involving them. The Commission dismissed the complaint in its entirety.
As part of the settlement, the State of New Jersey has agreed to pay Mr. Neuwirth $2.25 million, which includes compensation for economic and emotional damages, as well as attorneys’ fees. The State has not admitted to any wrongdoing as part of the settlement.
Mr. Neuwirth was represented by Christopher Eibeler and Lisa Hernandez of the law firm Smith Eibeler, LLC in Holmdel, New Jersey.
“Chris Neuwirth is a dedicated public servant who upheld his ethical obligations in the face of extraordinary pressure,” said attorney Christopher Eibeler of Smith Eibeler LLC. “This result demonstrates the importance of standing up for what’s right—even when it comes at great personal and professional cost.”
Ms. Hernandez stated “The outcome of this lawsuit reinforces that we all should demand fairness and transparency from our state government and there are people willing to do just that.”
Mr. Neuwirth expressed deep gratitude to his legal team, colleagues, and the many supporters who stood by him throughout the ordeal. “I especially want to thank my family, friends, and professional network for their unwavering support, patience, and belief in me over the last several years,” said Neuwirth.
Following his departure from public service, Mr. Neuwirth has successfully transitioned to the private sector, where he now applies his expertise in the cybersecurity field. This legal resolution brings vindication and closure to his public service career while allowing him to continue thriving in his current professional endeavors.