NJPI Staff
Wells Winegar
Executive Director
Wells Winegar brings a wealth of leadership experience in state and local government. As Deputy Township Administrator for Bridgewater Township, he led key municipal functions, including public relations, policy development, grants management, constituent services, and information technology, ensuring efficient operations and community engagement. Prior to this role, Wells served in the administration of former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, where he held a series of operational and policy-focused positions in the Governor’s Office. He later became Chief of Staff and Legislative Liaison for the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, advising the Commissioner and the Governor’s Office on strategic initiatives. In this role, he managed regulatory approvals, legislative analysis, and public communications. Wells holds a Bachelor of Arts from Hartwick College and a Master of Public Administration from Rutgers University. With his deep knowledge of government operations, policy development, and collaborative problem-solving, he is committed to advancing NJPI’s vision of a stronger, more equitable New Jersey.
Jeanette Hoffman
Communications Consultant
Jeanette Hoffman is an experienced communications consultant and media spokesperson specializing in strategic messaging, public relations, crisis communications and public affairs campaigns. Hoffman is also a media commentator and host who can be seen on national and New Jersey television and radio stations discussing politics and public policy. Ms. Hoffman is also the host of Energy Matters on ON New Jersey, a public affairs show focused on state and federal energy policy. She is also regularly featured as a political strategist and pundit for major media outlets, including Fox News, CNN, BBC News, NewsNation, ABC News, CBS News, My9NJ, News12 NJ and more.
Patricia Morgan
Government Relations Consultant
Patricia brings more than a decade of experience in education policy and public service. She previously served as Assistant Commissioner and Chief Legal & External Affairs Officer at the New Jersey Department of Education, and as Assistant Counsel in the Governor’s Office, where she focused on K–12 education, higher education, and children and families. Earlier in her career, Patricia clerked for Chief Justice Stuart J. Rabner of the New Jersey Supreme Court and Judge Peter G. Sheridan of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
