Douglas H. Fisher

Douglas H. Fisher is a lifelong resident of an agricultural area in New Jersey. His focus as Secretary of Agriculture is to support New Jersey's working farms and help ensure the Garden State's continued status as an agricultural powerhouse by promoting the state's diverse agricultural sectors while uniting them under a common message that underscores their importance to the state's economy, their crucial role in the maintenance of a safe and healthy food supply and their contribution to an enhanced quality of life for all NJ residents.

As Secretary, Fisher serves as the Chairman of the State Agriculture Development Committee, Chairman of the Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) Bank Board, and Chairman of the State Soil Conservation Committee. In addition, he serves as Vice President of Food Export-Northeast, Secretary/Treasurer of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, and Secretary for the Northeast Association of State Departments of Agriculture.

Fisher was born in Bridgeton in 1947. He graduated from Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island, where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. He served in the New Jersey National Guard from 1969 to 1975. In 1971, he began a 30-year career as a supermarket owner and operator.

Following his career in food marketing, Fisher worked as a Realtor and New Jersey owner of The Entrepreneur's Source, a coaching firm that assists individuals seeking business ownership and franchise opportunities.

Fisher's political career began in 1989 when he served on the Bridgeton City Council. From there, he was elected to the Cumberland County Freeholder Board, where he served for 10 years, half of that time as Board Director.