Arti D. Kakkar currently serves as the Director of the Human Services Department for Passaic County.  Previously, she was the Chief of Health and Human Services at the New Community Corporation (NCC), a community development organization in Newark, where she oversaw multiple human service departments.  From 2010 to 2015, she served as the Executive Director of the Family Service Bureau of Newark, a community-based outpatient behavioral health center serving the inner city of Newark and West Hudson.

In her various roles, Dr. Kakkar has successfully implemented effective programs and operational practices that enhance services for the communities she serves.  In recognition of her 19 years of service in the Greater Newark area, she was awarded the 2017 Humanitarian Award from Seton Hall University.  Arti is a strong advocate for systems work that improves the quality of life for underserved communities and fosters positive changes that enhance outcomes for all.

Dr. Kakkar earned her Doctor of Health Administration from the Medical University of South Carolina, as well as an Ed.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy and an M.A. in Psychological Studies from Seton Hall University. 

Her journey to serve disadvantaged and neglected populations began in India during her undergraduate studies in child development.  It has been a long and fulfilling path, allowing her to contribute to improving the quality of life for those she serves by developing programs and collaborations that enhance limited resources.  Addressing basic needs is the first step in service delivery, and ensuring access to healthy food is a crucial part of this context.  Her motivation comes from the individuals she serves and their successes in achieving self-sufficiency.