The senior policy analyst will succeed Nicole Rodriguez as leader of the Trenton-based think tank on Sept. 14.

Peter Chen will become the next president of New Jersey Policy Perspective, succeeding Nicole Rodriguez as the leader of one of the state’s most prominent progressive policy organizations.

Chen, currently a senior policy analyst at the Trenton-based think tank, will take over Sept. 14, the organization announced Tuesday.

Rodriguez is stepping down after four years as president because her family is moving to Connecticut, where her partner has accepted a position at Yale University.

“NJPP’s Board is thrilled to name Peter as our next president,” board co-chair Adriana Abizadeh-Barbour said in a statement. “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.”

Chen joined New Jersey Policy Perspective in 2021 and has focused primarily on state tax and budget policy. His research and advocacy contributed to the creation of New Jersey’s Child Tax Credit and the enactment of the Corporate Transit Fee, according to the organization.

The Child Tax Credit provides eligible lower-income families with up to $1,000 for each child younger than 6. The Corporate Transit Fee imposes a 2.5% tax on New Jersey corporations with annual net profits exceeding $10 million and provides dedicated funding for NJ Transit.

A familiar presence at legislative meetings in Trenton, Chen is known among journalists, advocates, and policymakers for his detailed analysis and ability to explain complex policy issues clearly.

“I’m honored to take on this role and grateful for Nicole’s leadership over the past four years,” Chen said. “NJPP’s impact comes from a talented team, strong partnerships, and a shared commitment to policy that improves people’s lives in New Jersey. I look forward to building on that foundation.”

Before joining New Jersey Policy Perspective, Chen served as policy counsel at Advocates for Children of New Jersey and was a Skadden Fellow. The program provides funding to recent law school graduates working in public interest law.

Chen earned his law degree from Yale Law School and a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University Bloomington. He also served as a law clerk for Shirley Abrahamson, the former chief justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Rodriguez joined New Jersey Policy Perspective as its research director in 2019 and became president in 2022, succeeding Brandon McKoy.

During her tenure, the organization advocated for full funding of New Jersey’s school funding formula, immigrant protections, election reforms, and changes to the state’s so-called mansion tax, which applies to high-priced real estate transactions.

Board co-chair Jon Shure credited Rodriguez with advancing the organization’s policy agenda while strengthening its internal operations.

“She guided NJPP to notable state policy wins while strengthening internal operations and helping build an organizational culture of autonomy and mutual accountability,” Shure said.

Rodriguez said leading the organization had been “one of the great privileges” of her career.

“I’m proud of what we’ve built together, and I’m leaving with complete confidence in the organization and enthusiasm for what’s next in my own life,” she said. “NJPP’s strength has never depended on one person. It comes from an extraordinary team, trusted partnerships, and a shared belief that good policy can improve people’s lives.”

Founded in 1997, New Jersey Policy Perspective conducts research and advocates for policies intended to advance economic, social, and racial justice. It has supported progressive state policies including the $15 minimum wage, paid family leave, earned sick leave, expanded tax credits for lower-income workers, and higher taxes on income that exceeds $1 million per year.