Parsippany, NJ – The New Jersey Policy Institute (NJPI) is proud to announce the inaugural class of its 2026 Junior Fellowship Program, featuring three exceptional young leaders who represent the next generation of policy talent in New Jersey.
The NJPI Junior Fellowship is a year-long program designed to give emerging leaders direct experience in research, policy development, and civic engagement across NJPI’s three core policy pillars — Education, Economy, and Energy. Each Fellow will contribute to active NJPI initiatives throughout 2026, developing actionable policy recommendations to strengthen opportunity and affordability across the state.
“This inaugural class reflects the talent, dedication, and promise of the next generation of changemakers,” said Rosemary Becchi, President of the New Jersey Policy Institute. “Aiden, Megan, and Sean each bring unique experience, insight, and passion to our work, and we are thrilled to have them join the NJPI team.”
All three members of the inaugural class previously interned with Jersey 1st, NJPI’s affiliated grassroots and advocacy organization, where they gained hands-on experience researching and advocating for policy solutions to improve New Jersey’s affordability and competitiveness.
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Aiden DeMarsey – Education Fellow
Aiden is a fourth-year student at Rutgers University in New Brunswick and an elected member of the Evesham Township Board of Education. Aiden has testified before legislative committees on school funding reform and brings hands-on experience in school finance, budget development, and community engagement. He studies Public Policy with a minor in Government & Business and Military Science. -
Megan Whitman – Economy Fellow
Megan is a rising senior at Georgetown University, majoring in Government with a minor in Classical Studies. A former intern for both Jersey 1st and a Legislative Office, Megan brings legislative experience and a deep interest in tax policy and small business competitiveness. -
Sean Barry – Energy Fellow
Sean studies Politics, Economics, and Business at New York University. With professional experience as a Wealth Management Analyst and research intern at Jersey 1st, Sean combines technical and analytical expertise with a passion for energy affordability and market-based policy solutions.
“The Junior Fellowship was created to give young leaders a front-row seat to the policymaking process,” said Wells Winegar, Executive Director of NJPI. “This first cohort embodies the curiosity, intellect, and civic spirit that will drive our state forward. We couldn’t be more excited to mentor them as they grow into future leaders in policy and public service.”
Throughout the year, Fellows will participate in NJPI’s ongoing research projects, public events, and strategic policy initiatives, contributing to NJPI’s mission of advancing smart, sustainable, and principled solutions under the organization’s guiding pillars of Options, Opportunity, and Excellence.
About the New Jersey Policy Institute
The New Jersey Policy Institute (NJPI) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit research organization dedicated to promoting smart, sustainable, and principled public policy solutions that strengthen New Jersey’s economy, energy future, and education system.
The New Jersey Policy Institute (NJPI) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit research organization dedicated to promoting smart, sustainable, and principled public policy solutions that strengthen New Jersey’s economy, energy future, and education system.
