About

About Omar Diaz Newark

Omar Diaz is a lifelong public servant and experienced leader based in Wayne, New Jersey. He currently serves as the Assistant Division Director at the New Jersey Department of Transportation, where he manages transportation infrastructure, safety, and maintenance operations. His commitment to community welfare and safety is evident through his professional endeavors and involvement with local organizations.

Early Life and School Days

Omar A. Diaz was born in Belleville, New Jersey, and grew up in Newark, where he attended local schools. After completing high school, Omar pursued higher education at Rutgers University in Newark. He graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and a Minor in urban education. During his time at Rutgers, Omar enrolled and completed the Urban Teacher Education Program (UTEP), which provided him with valuable experience and a secondary teacher certification.

Later, in 2015, Omar furthered his education by earning an Executive Master of Public Administration degree from Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration. He graduated with a 4.0 GPA, concentrating on Non-Profit and Public Performance Management. This advanced degree helped him gain expertise in policy analysis, human resource management, information management, research methods, and leadership.

Career Kickoff    

Newark’s Omar Diaz began his career in public service as a Senior Corrections officer at Northern State Prison. His devotion to his work led him to transfer to the Newark Police Academy, where he trained to become a police officer. One of Omar’s early significant roles was as a unit commander in the Newark Police Major Crimes Criminal Intelligence Division. In this role, he supervised criminal investigations and ensured the community’s safety.

His leadership abilities were acknowledged when he was selected as the unit head of the New Jersey State Police’s Real-Time Crime Center. This center is part of the New Jersey Regional Operations & Intelligence Center (NJ ROIC), where Omar led teams of personnel from various law enforcement agencies, including municipal, county, state, and federal levels.

Achieving the Rank of Captain in Newark

Omar Diaz made history when he was promoted to Captain in the Newark Police Department, becoming the first Dominican-American to achieve this rank in the city. As Captain of Police Operations, he oversaw the Newark Metro Business Downtown District. Also, Omar coordinated a team of officers and managed the overall operations within his command. He was responsible for ensuring the district was safe for residents and businesses.

Leveraging his experience in intelligence and risk mitigation strategies, Omar managed security operations at major sporting and entertainment venues in Newark, such as the Prudential Center, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and Newark Symphony Hall. He developed risk management policies and led the implementation of security measures to ensure the safety of all attendees.

Transition to State Government

After a successful career in law enforcement, Omar transitioned to state government in August 2024 and currently serves as the Assistant Division Director at the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT). In this role, he is responsible for maintaining the state’s highway system and public roadways, ensuring their safety and reliability for motorists. Omar leads teams that manage engineering projects, emergency management procedures, and maintenance activities across the state’s transportation infrastructure.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Omar has received several awards and recognitions for his work in law enforcement and public service. He was recognized with the FBI Leadership Trilogy Award for his contributions to law enforcement leadership. He also received a Senate Citation, a formal recognition from the New Jersey State Senate for his outstanding contributions to public service.

Also, Omar has been esteemed by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, an organization that honors law enforcement professionals who have made significant contributions to their field.

Community Involvement and Teaching

Omar has always been committed to community service and engagement. He has served as an advisory board member at Good Shepherd Academy in Nutley, New Jersey. He has been involved with several organizations, including the Superior Officers’ Association, the Fraternal Order of Police, the Essex County Hispanic Law Enforcement Society, and the FBI LEEDA. 

Omar also has a secondary teacher certification and has worked as an adjunct instructor, sharing his knowledge with others. He enjoys giving back to the community through education and mentorship, helping to guide the next generation of leaders. In addition, he has volunteered for various community events, such as distributing toys to schoolchildren during the holiday season.

Involvement in Real Estate

In addition to his public service career, Omar is a licensed real estate professional. He is a member of the National Association of Realtors, the North Jersey Realtors Association, and the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals. His work in real estate allows him to help clients find their ideal homes while contributing to the growth and development of local communities.

When Omar Unwinds

Outside of his professional life, Omar Diaz from Newark enjoys running, biking, and going to the gym. These activities help him stay in shape and maintain a healthy lifestyle. They also allow him to clear his mind and relax after a busy day.