The New Jersey Senate on Jan. 14, 2025, swore in Addison Henricks as the chamber’s Secretary of the Senate and recognized three longtime legislative staffers — Linda Metzger, Derek Scott and Dee Kirk — who announced their retirements.

Majority Leader Senator Ruiz nominated Henricks for the office; the body approved the nomination by voice vote and the new secretary took the oath of office on the Senate floor. “I, Addison Henricks, do solemnly promise and swear that I will faithfully, impartially and justly perform all the duties of Secretary of the Senate,” Henricks recited as part of the oath administered on the floor.

The chamber’s leaders used the organization day to thank departing staffers for decades of service. Senate President (presiding officer) recognized Linda Metzger for a legislative career that began in 1983 and included service as clerk of the General Assembly from 1996 to 2002, saying Metzger’s “unwavering commitment to the Senate” has had a lasting impact on the institution. Derek Scott, identified as the Assistant Senate Secretary, was noted for a tenure that began in 1985. Dee Kirk, described as a protocol consultant in the secretary’s office and a former assistant general clerk for the General Assembly, was acknowledged for decades of work spanning multiple legislative leaderships.

Senator Singleton and other members offered personal remarks reflecting on the retirees’ mentorship and institutional knowledge. “For many of us who are lifers of this building, whether staffer or member, you know of Linda Metzger and Dee Kirk because of the roles they played when we started in our journey,” Singleton said, noting their guidance to new members and staff.

Leaders described the secretary’s office as bipartisan in practice and emphasized continuity during the transition. The Senate President urged members to support the new secretary and expressed confidence that Henricks, who previously worked in the legislative environment, will “come on without a hitch.”

The oath and the recognitions occurred during the organizational portion of the Senate’s first annual session for 2025; no formal policy votes were taken in that portion of the meeting.