Matthew Hale, associate professor in the Department of Political Science and Public Affairs, has been named to the 2021 Insider 100 Policymakers list by Insider NJ.

Insider NJ is a nonpartisan news website dedicated to New Jersey politics, co-founded and edited by award-winning reporter Max Pizarro. The outlet releases the Insider 100 Policymakers list each year to celebrate local public servants working to tackle the big issues in New Jersey such as legislative reforms targeting law enforcement or the state economy.

"It is really quite humbling to be named as a 2021 Insider 100 Policymaker," said Hale. "Even when the people on this list are fighting against each other, they are all trying to make New Jersey a better place. So, being named is a huge honor."

Hale is one of three professors that made the 2021 list. Currently, he teaches courses that focus on strategic management and governance as well as ethics in the public sector.

"I am lucky to have former Seton Hall MPA students on the list and so many more working throughout New Jersey in government, politics and nonprofits that really do make an impact."

Hale also serves as a councilperson on the Highland Park Borough Council and writes regular op-ed pieces for New Jersey newspapers where he often proposes unconventional solutions to local political problems. He is also a frequent commentator and media pundit focusing on New Jersey politics.

In recognition of his career commitment to public service, he has recently been nominated for the New Jersey Legislative Apportionment Commission as well. Hale, along with Seton Hall law professor Paula Franzese, were two of 11 finalists for the position. This position is known as the "tie breaker" because the person holding it often breaks the tie between competing plans for legislative redistricting proposed by Democratic and Republican committees.

Other nominees include a former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, former U.S. District Court Judges and a former New Jersey Supreme Court Justice. Hale is the youngest member to be considered for the legislative redistricting committee.

"New Jersey is the most amazing place to talk about politics and try to shape policy. It has the capacity to be both awe-inspiring and soul-crushing at the same time. It is a unique place to try and understand and teach about in the classroom. There is always something to do, and I get to do it every day with my Seton Hall students. There is no place I would rather be."

To view the full list of 2021 Insider 100 Policymakers, please visit here. To view a recent article about the Legislative Apportionment Commission, please visit here.

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