About
the Jefferson Forum
Freedom for Virginians
Jefferson Forum offers a leveraged way for liberty-minded Virginians to advance smart policy ideas that move the Old Dominion back toward constrained government, individual rights, and free-market solutions.
We push back against policies that harm Virginia’s families and businesses while increasing demand for pro-growth, pro-freedom ideas among lawmakers, citizens, and community leaders.
Our goal is simple but ambitious: restore Virginia’s tradition of leadership and make it the best state in the nation to build a business, raise a family, and pursue happiness.
With your help, we are building a lasting infrastructure for freedom in Virginia—one that shifts the landscape away from government expansion and toward the pro-liberty ethos that once defined the Commonwealth.
Forging a Path Forward
Jefferson Forum was formed in 2026 through the merger of two organizations with strong track records of influence and innovation.
- The Thomas Jefferson Institute has spent 30 years advancing effective policy, helping double the standard tax deduction, repeal the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, and block major tax increases.
- The Yorktown Foundation helped reshape Virginia’s school choice conversation and launched a scholarship program giving families access to better educational opportunities.
Together, Jefferson Forum combines proven policy expertise with applied, real-world impact.
Jefferson Forum concentrates on policies that affect everyday life in Virginia
Economic Freedom
Lower taxes and fewer regulations
Education Freedom
More choices for Virginia families
Energy Freedom
Reliable, affordable energy
Worker Freedom
Protecting Virginia’s right-to-work tradition
These are the building blocks of a more competitive and prosperous Virginia.
Staff
Leadership
LJ Brouillette
Associate Director of Development & Communication
C. Todd Hester
Vice President of Strategic Initiatives
Derrick Max
Vice President of Policy
Peter Lipsett
Executive Chairman & Interim CEO
Scholars & Fellows
Chris Braunlich
Senior Fellow, Education
Derrick Max
Vice President of Policy
Steve Haner
Senior Fellow, Energy & Economy
Ali Ahmed
Senior Visiting Fellow, Economy & Current Events
Board of Directors
Scott Barbee
Kristina Rasmussen
Bill Howell
Richard Duvall
Steve Cassaday
Stan Swim
C. Todd Hester
Derrick Max
Peter Lipsett
Work for Us
The Jefferson Forum brings together some of Virginia’s top policy minds seeking to bring sound policy to Virginia. This is done through relationships and accountability within the general assembly and governors office as well as the citizens of the Commonwealth. The Jefferson Forum seeks to position itself as an accessible set of experts on free-market issues.
Freedom for Virginians
Jefferson Forum offers a leveraged way for liberty-minded Virginians to advance smart policy ideas that move the Old Dominion back toward constrained government, individual rights, and free-market solutions.
We push back against policies that harm Virginia’s families and businesses while increasing demand for pro-growth, pro-freedom ideas among lawmakers, citizens, and community leaders.
Our goal is simple but ambitious: restore Virginia’s tradition of leadership and make it the best state in the nation to build a business, raise a family, and pursue happiness.
With your help, we are building a lasting infrastructure for freedom in Virginia—one that shifts the landscape away from government expansion and toward the pro-liberty ethos that once defined the Commonwealth.
Forging a Path Forward
Jefferson Forum was formed in 2026 through the merger of two organizations with strong track records of influence and innovation.
- The Thomas Jefferson Institute has spent 30 years advancing effective policy, helping double the standard tax deduction, repeal the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, and block major tax increases.
- The Yorktown Foundation helped reshape Virginia’s school choice conversation and launched a scholarship program giving families access to better educational opportunities.
Together, Jefferson Forum combines proven policy expertise with applied, real-world impact.
Jefferson Forum concentrates on policies that affect everyday life in Virginia
Economic Freedom
Lower taxes and fewer regulations
Education Freedom
More choices for Virginia families
Energy Freedom
Reliable, affordable energy
Worker Freedom
Protecting Virginia’s right-to-work tradition
These are the building blocks of a more competitive and prosperous Virginia.
Leadership
LJ Brouillette
Associate Director of Development & Communication
C. Todd Hester
Vice President of Strategic Initiatives
Derrick Max
Vice President of Policy
Peter Lipsett
Executive Chairman & Interim CEO
Scholars & Fellows
Chris Braunlich
Senior Fellow, Education
Derrick Max
Vice President of Policy
Steve Haner
Senior Fellow, Energy & Economy
Ali Ahmed
Senior Visiting Fellow, Economy & Current Events