Prior to assuming this position in January 2012, Dr. Fichtner served as the Department’s Assistant Commissioner for Labor Planning and Analysis (LPA). Under his leadership, LPA became a critical driver of policy and program decisions across the Department, as well as, a key resource for policy makers and program managers in education, higher education and economic development. LPA provides economic and demographic data and analysis, performance analysis, research and policy analysis for key Department programs, oversees licensing of training providers; and provides career information to help students and workers make effective and successful career education and training choices.

Under Dr. Fichtner’s direction LPA; led the launch of New Jersey’s innovative Talent Networks, which connect job seekers, educational institutions and employers within the state’s six key industries; established a new Performance Accountability unit to develop performance metrics for all Department programs and partnered with the Division of Workforce Development to launch the Jobs4Jersey.com website and its innovative “OnRamp” resume and job matching tools.  

Prior to joining the Department in 2010, Dr. Fichtner was the Director of Research and Evaluation at the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University.  In that role, he conducted extensive research on the workforce and skill needs of key industries; implemented a variety of workforce and education initiatives; and conducted evaluations of education and training programs.  He has also worked in the field of economic development in Jersey City, New Jersey and Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Fichtner earned his Ph.D. in Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University, his Master’s degree in City Planning from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a B.A. in History from Vassar College.  He lives in Lawrence Township.