A reflection on navigating government leadership as a woman, exploring lessons about credibility, relationships, visibility, and creating opportunities for others in public service.
Her Story
About Kia
Kia King, Esq. is a public sector executive and attorney specializing in organizational transformation, strategic advocacy, and operational excellence. She currently serves as Chief Operating Officer at the New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller, where Kia brings more than 14 years of experience managing complex legal, administrative, marketing, and government functions. Her leadership focuses on strengthening organizational operations, enhancing executive leadership vision, and supporting the mission of accountability, transparency, and effective government. Throughout her career, Kia has held a range of leadership and legal positions across New Jersey government. Her experience includes serving as Chief of Staff and Director of Policy and External Affairs at the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, where she oversaw policy matters, external affairs, legislative engagement, and multi-division initiatives. Kia has also worked in legal and investigative roles, including as Assistant Counsel with the Monmouth County Division of Social Services and as an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Officer as well as an Ethics Liaison Officer.
She earned her Juris Doctor from William & Mary Law School in 2010 and a Bachelor of Arts in Africana Studies from Colgate University in 2007, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Kia is recognized for her ability to lead cross-functional teams, develop organizational talent, communicate strategically, and advocate effectively on complex issues. Her professional approach emphasizes solutions-focused leadership, stakeholder engagement, data-informed decision-making, and a commitment to public service. She is also active in professional leadership, including involvement with the New Jersey Women Lawyers Association and New Jersey State Bar Association. Through her work, Kia combines legal expertise, operational leadership, and strategic, mission focused communication to help organizations navigate complex challenges and create meaningful, sustainable impact.
Kia is an avid podcast enthusiast and has produced and hosted podcast programs during her career, which include the creation of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs' first podcast program, Community at the Core: https://www.nj.gov/dca/home/podcast.shtml. Kia also co-hosted a series with the New Jersey Community Development Corporation (NJ CDC) called Community Conversations, which featured special guests from New Jersey government to speak about programs and initiatives that bring positive change and support to communities across New Jersey: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4zNHDlPBlvVuySAlOAAQQy?si=2fcfd25856284963. If you are interested in working with Kia on podcast features or collaborations, please email: kiaa.king@gmail.com.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kia
01What do you attribute your success to?
Finding a lesson or gift in harder moments, and keeping perspective that even your worst day is someone's best day. Finding resilience and confidence in my own voice, by knowing I'm the only me out there. Lastly, family support and a village of allies and advocates is foundational to growth and success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Have fun with your work. It is privilege to contribute to the world in a meaningful way and it is important to enjoy the journey and not just the destination. When you stop having fun, it's time to explore the next chapter and new opportunities. Always focus on roles that are mentally stimulating and give you challenges as this is the space where growth occurs.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The legal profession, particularly the public sector, is not always the easiest path, but it can be the one that truly fulfills you. You are uniquely yourself for a reason, so embrace what makes you different. Don’t just follow your dreams—follow your gifts. Recognize your strengths, and honor what you have been given because that will always steer you to the work you were meant to do.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges I see in the legal profession are finding strong mentors and allies, developing one's own voice, and building meaningful connections that survive transitions. At times, women can also become barriers for one another because of societal conditioning and learned behaviors. At the same time, there are tremendous opportunities for those who are tenacious and willing to take initiative. I believe women can rise quickly, become changemakers in government, and make a significant impact by bringing a solutions-focused approach to the challenges we face.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me are courage, honesty, open communication, and connection. I believe in being courageously honest and having difficult conversations, even when there is conflict or discomfort. I also value humor and the ability to find lightness in challenging moments. Most importantly, I believe in having a strong village and a supportive partner who can encourage, challenge, and stand beside you through life’s ups and downs.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Kia
The Leadership Lessons I Learned on the Way to the Table
Leadership is not about the loudest voice in the room—it's about knowing who you are and creating pathways for others.
My career in public service has taken me from practicing law to leading policy and external affairs, serving as a chief of staff, and now working as a chief operating officer. Each role has expanded my responsibility, but some of my most important lessons have had little to do with titles.
As a woman navigating government leadership, I learned early that doing good work is only part of the equation. You also have to understand the environment around you—who makes decisions, how relationships shape outcomes, when to speak, and when to listen.
One lesson has been especially important: do not confuse being underestimated with being unprepared. There will be rooms where others do not immediately recognize your experience or authority. Resist the urge to prove yourself through every interaction. Know your subject, understand your value, and let consistency establish your credibility.
I have also learned to build relationships before you need them. Government can change quickly. Leadership changes. Priorities shift. Strong professional relationships built on trust, respect, and reliability can provide stability when everything else is moving.
Women also have to become comfortable with being visible. For years, many of us were taught that if we worked hard enough, someone would notice. Sometimes they do. Sometimes they don't. Share your expertise. Accept the speaking opportunity. Write the article. Seek the leadership position. Make sure your contributions are not invisible.
And when you gain access, create access for someone else. Recommend another woman. Mentor her. Sponsor her. Say her name when opportunities are being discussed.
I no longer think successful leadership requires becoming the loudest person in the room. It requires knowing who you are when you enter it.
My goal is not simply to occupy a leadership seat. It is to use that seat—with integrity, purpose, and service—to make the path wider for the women coming behind me.
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