N.J. health commissioner confirms she plans to step down, citing 'urgent illness in the family'

Christie praised Alaigh's 14-month tenure, singling out 'her principled implementation of a scientifically-based medicinal marijuana program'

Aristide Economopoulos/The Star-LedgerDr. Poonam Alaigh, commissioner of New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, in a November 2010 file photo.

TRENTON — Citing "an urgent illness in the family,'' Health Commissioner Poonam Alaigh confirmed in a statement today she was stepping down from her job on April 1.

Gov. Chris Christie praised Alaigh's 14-month tenure, singling out "her principled implementation of a scientifically-based medicinal marijuana program'' and her leadership "through a period of economic difficulty and an increased need among our citizens for quality health care services.''

Christie also announced he was elevating Deputy Commissioner Mary O'Dowd to acting commissioner, with the intent of nominating her to assume the commissioner's job.

Alaigh called the experience of serving as the state's top health official "an incredible privilege and honor.''

"I am passionate about the work and accomplishments we have been able to deliver for the families of New Jersey during this time of unprecedented budget challenges. So, it is with both pride and difficulty that I today announce my resignation from the Department,” Alaigh said in a prepared statement.

Mary O'Dowd, N.J.'s new acting health commissioner

Reached by telephone Thursday night, Alaigh declined to comment about her anticipated resignation, saying she was tending to her very ill mother-in-law.

O’Dowd was appointed Deputy Commissioner of Senior Services and Health Systems in March 2010. O’Dowd had previously served as chief of staff for the department in Gov. Jon Corzine's administration.

O’Dowd, married to Kevin O'Dowd, who is deputy chief in the governor's counsel office, previously worked in financial management for the emergency department at NYU Medical Center. O’Dowd is a graduate of Douglass College, Rutgers University, and holds a master's degree in public health from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. She also completed a fellowship in hospital finance at NYU Medical Center.

State epidemiologist, assistant commissioner and physician Christina Tan will slide into the acting deputy commissioner's job. Under state law, the commissioner or a deputy must be a doctor.

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• • N.J. health commissioner is expected to announce her resignation