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For Immediate Release:
Contact: Louis Di Paolo, (201) 417-5049 (cell) or dipaolo@njpp.org
TRENTON, NJ (September 10, 2019) – New Jersey Policy Perspective (NJPP) is pleased to announce two additions to the organization’s senior staff. Following a months-long national search, the Trenton-based think-tank has hired Nicole Rodriguez as Research Director, where she will guide NJPP’s policy vision and supervise policy staff. NJPP has also promoted Becca Jensen Compton to Development Director, where she oversees fundraising to ensure NJPP continues to drive policy change that advances economic, social, and racial justice through evidenced based, independent analysis.
“Nicole is already a proven leader in state economic policy circles for her research on issues that benefit working families,” said Brandon McKoy, President of NJPP. “Nicole has a record of success promoting long-term structural change at the intersection of research and advocacy and is well-equipped to help NJPP perform the rock solid analysis we’re known for on the biggest issues facing the Garden State. We are thrilled to have someone with Nicole’s expertise and experience guide NJPP’s policy research and advocacy agenda.”
Nicole Rodriguez has extensive experience researching and advocating for policies that promote equity and widespread economic opportunity. A Boston native, Nicole most recently served as a Senior Researcher with Community Labor United, where she spearheaded analysis on labor and revenue policy campaigns. Nicole previously served as a Senior Policy Analyst at the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, where she drove strategic research on issues concerning economic security, including proposals to raise the minimum wage and enact earned sick days. Nicole will continue to research these issues in addition to managing the policy department. She holds a Master’s in Public Policy from the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University and a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science from Villanova University.
“I’m excited to join the NJPP team and return to the State Priorities Partnership and EARN networks,” said Nicole Rodriguez. “I’ve admired NJPP’s mission from afar for years. I look forward to helping shape and executing NJPP’s policy work and furthering their commitment to equity for all.“
NJPP has also promoted Becca Jensen Compton to Development Director, where she is responsible for the organization’s individual giving and institutional support. Becca joined NJPP in the summer of 2018 as Development Manager after previously working as the Community Engagement Coordinator for Arm in Arm, a Trenton-based nonprofit that helps Mercer County residents achieve stability through nutrition, housing, and job support. Becca received her Bachelors of Arts in Professional Writing and Literature from York College of Pennsylvania.
“The past fourteen months with NJPP have been an incredible experience,” said Becca Jensen Compton. “I look forward to working more deeply with our generous funders and donors as we build a more just New Jersey together.”
Becca’s first day as Development Director was September 1.
“Becca is an integral part of the NJPP team and her strong fundraising allows us to continue providing independent policy research,” said McKoy. “I look forward to watching her grow in this new leadership role as we expand our presence and reach across the state.”
Founded in 1997, NJPP is a “think and do” tank, driving policy change to advance economic, social, and racial justice through evidence-based independent research, analysis, and advocacy.
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