Chen to succeed Rodriguez as president of New Jersey Policy Perspective

Peter Chen will become the next president of New Jersey Policy Perspective, succeeding Nicole Rodriguez when she steps down next month, the progressive policy organization announced Tuesday.

Rodriguez is leaving for personal reasons after four years as president. Her partner has accepted a position at Yale University, prompting the family to relocate to Connecticut. She will remain at NJPP until Chen takes over on September 14.

Chen, a senior policy analyst who joined NJPP in 2021, has focused on state tax and budget policy. His research and advocacy helped establish New Jersey’s first Child Tax Credit and the Corporate Transit Fee, which provides dedicated funding for NJ Transit.

“NJPP’s Board is thrilled to name Peter as our next President,” said board co-chair Adriana Abizadeh-Barbour. “His deep knowledge of New Jersey policy and his commitment to NJPP’s mission make him the right leader to build on the organization’s momentum.”

Rodriguez joined NJPP as research director in 2019 and became president in 2022, succeeding Brandon McKoy. During her tenure, the organization advocated for full funding of New Jersey public schools, immigrant-rights protections and a higher tax on high-priced home sales.

“Leading NJPP has been one of the great privileges of my career,” Rodriguez said.

Before joining NJPP, Chen was policy counsel at Advocates for Children of New Jersey and served as a Skadden Fellow. He earned his law degree from Yale Law School and clerked for Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson.