Since our inception in 2005, the institute has emerged as a leading voice for public policy in New Jersey. More than 400 papers, on topics ranging from health care to education to property taxes, have been posted on our website.

In 2006 and 2008, the institute presented online virtual debates among the candidates in New Jersey's U.S. Senate race. We also sponsored NJ2008, a special section on New Jersey's role in the 2008 presidential campaign. For New Jersey's 2009 Governor's campaign, we are incorporating the successful elements from our virtual debates and presidential forums and supporting them with some of our more recent new media initiatives.

The institute produces a 30-minute public affairs television in partnership with Mercer County Community College. We also use podcasts, blogs and social networking to share our work and seek feedback.

In addition to our other activities, the institute has published two books -- The State of the Garden State and Reaction and Reform in New Jersey. Both are compilations of the major papers posted on our website. A third volume, Creating A Common Future: New Jersey and Public Policy, was published online.

Located in Trenton at 224 West State Street, the institute was established by George E. Hall, a successful business executive and a leading philanthropist who lives in Middletown, N.J.

George E. Hall - Executive Director

A successful business executive and a leading philanthropist, Mr. Hall established the Hall Institute of Public Policy to serve as a leading forum for academic research, creative ideas and constructive debate on statewide issues.

Mr. Hall is president, founder and majority shareholder of Clinton Group, Inc., a registered investment advisor.  Before founding the company in 1991, he was a Vice President at Greenwich Capital Markets, Inc., a leading primary dealer and mortgage securities broker-dealer.

In addition to managing the Clinton Group, Mr. Hall has taken an active role in philanthropic causes, contributing significant sums to health care, educational and cultural organizations.

Mr. Hall lives in Middletown, N.J., with his wife, Lori, and their children - Charlotte, Kathryn and George Jr.

Michael P. Riccards - Executive Director

Dr. Riccards oversees all operations of the organization. He came to the Hall Institute from the College Board in Washington D.C., where he was responsible for public policy analysis and liaison with government officials.

The author of 15 books, Dr. Riccards previously served as the president of three colleges - -Fitchburg State College in Massachusetts, Shepherd College in West Virginia and St. John's College in New Mexico.

In 2008, he was appointed by Governor Jon S. Corzine as the state's representative on the national Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. He later was selected by the Governor to chair the state’s Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.

Richard Lee - Communications Director

Mr. Lee is responsible for media relations and all promotional and marketing activities. He also conducts research and writes papers, focusing on media, government and politics.

Prior to joining the Hall Institute, Mr. Lee was a Deputy Director of Communications in the New Jersey Governor's Office. He previously served as a Public Information Officer for the New Jersey General Assembly and the Township of Woodbridge. As a journalist, Mr. Lee held a variety of jobs ranging from political reporter to rock music critic.