Graham Simpson

Graham Simpson is director of the Office of Innovation’s Data and Policy team. In that role, he works on policy and engagement work at the Office of Innovation. In that role, he produces policy research, conducts data analysis, and strategizes ways to improve ways to better understand and enhance the impact of OOI’s work on New Jersey residents. With the rest of the Data and Policy Team, Graham collaborates with internal office portfolio teams, other New Jersey State agencies and departments, and directly with office leadership. Graham has also: managed New Jersey’s COVID-19 Information Hub, drove early stage development of BasicNeeds.NJ.gov and Transgender.NJ.gov, and led the office’s innovation skills training programs.

Previously, Graham worked at J-PAL North America, a research center specializing in the use of randomized studies to better understand what anti-poverty social policies work and why. While there, he managed a project to develop and evaluate mobility support for housing choice voucher recipients, coordinated the office’s written publications strategy, and advised external organizations on potential studies on basic income, addiction treatment, educational support, and financial inclusion. In addition, he has served as an impact consultant at What Works Cities, conducted policy analysis for the New York City Mayor’s Office, and taught high school equivalency and computer skills classes to incarcerated students in the Worcester County House of Correction.

Graham received his master’s in public affairs from Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs and a bachelor’s in economics from Harvard University. Outside of work, Graham enjoys spending time with his family, cooking, hiking, and watching baseball.