A doctor that President Barack Obama appointed to the U.S. Veterans Administration is Gov.-elect Phil Murphy's pick to be New Jersey's next health commissioner, NJ Advance Media has learned.
Murphy is expected this week to announce his plans to nominate Shereef Elnahal, according to two sources with knowledge of the decision.
The sources requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak publicly about the move.
Like most of Murphy's Cabinet nominee, Elnahal would have to be approved by the state Senate.
Elnahal joined the Obama administration in 2015, and since November 2016 has served as Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Quality, Safety & Value in the Veterans Health Administration, according to his biography on the federal website.
He is the second Obama appointee Murphy -- who, like the former president, is a Democrat -- has chosen to serve in his cabinet when his administration begins Jan. 16.
Murphy last week announced his pick for Human Services Commissioner would be Carole Johnson, who previously served on the White House Domestic Policy Council health team.
Murphy keeps 2 more Christie officials in Cabinet
Elnahal served on Murphy's transition team's healthcare committee.
He graduated from Harvard University with a medical degree and a MBA in 2012. He is an adjunct professor in Health Policy and Management at the Georgetown University, according to Elnahal's LinkedIn profile.
Elnahal spent three years as a resident at Johns Hopkins Hospital in the radiology oncology department, and 14 months as a consultant for the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, 88th Medical Group, his profile said.
The state health commissioner's job includes licensing hospitals and long-term care facilities, leading public health programs, and running the medicinal marijuana program.
In November, the department took over the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services from the Department of Human Services, as part of Gov. Chris Christie efforts to combat the state's spike in heroin and prescription drug-related overdoses and deaths.
If the Democratically controlled state Senate approves Elnahal's nomination, he would replace acting Commissioner Christopher Rinn.
Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01.
Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.