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The Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy announced the following two appointments today:

Ali Ahmad, Senior Visiting Fellow

A lifelong Virginian and a graduate of the University of Virginia, Ali is a Senior Managing Director at PLUS Communications, located in Richmond, Virginia. He brings more than 20 years of experience in strategic communications, public policy, and legislative affairs across federal, state, and local government, including the U.S. House, the Virginia Senate, and U.S. Census Bureau.

Most recently, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff to former Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, where he oversaw policy development, legislative affairs, and a wide range of communications functions, including speechwriting, digital content, events, and media relations. He first joined the Youngkin team in 2021 as a senior policy advisor during the Governor’s successful campaign.

Ali will be writing on public policy issues, including those related to job growth, business investment, government efficiency, and workforce development. We are honored to have him join the team.

LJ Brouillette, Associate Director of Development and Communications

LJ Brouillette has joined the Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy as the Associate Director of Development and Communications. 

LJ is a Hershey, Pennsylvania native and a Liberty University alumna. Following her graduation in 2025, she served as a Legislative Assistant in the Pennsylvania Senate, specializing in policy research and constituent affairs. Most recently, LJ served on the events team for the 74th Governor of Virginia, Glenn Youngkin, coordinating logistics and outreach across the Commonwealth.

LJ brings a diverse background in the political and policy spheres, with experience spanning from PAC initiatives, legislative research, as well as time spent at Heritage Action in D.C. and the Commonwealth Foundation in Pennsylvania. LJ has a passion for education reform, bringing families opportunity and choice. Through this passion, she’s found a love for the think-tank sphere. Seeing how policy drives change, she is excited to be a part of it.

In this role, LJ will work closely with leadership to expand operations, with a primary focus on external affairs, branding, and supporting the fundraising process to advance free-market solutions for all Virginians.

The Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy was founded in 1998 by long-time business, civic and political leader Michael W. Thompson. Its mission is to craft and promote public policy solutions that advance prosperity and opportunity for all Virginians.

Upon Thompson’s death, long-time fellow Chris Braunlich took the leadership role, succeed by Derrick A. Max. Braunlich remains active working on mainly education issues, drawing on his experience as board chairman of the Fairfax County Schools and president of the State Board for Education.  Steve Haner remains an active contributor and advisor, back to wandering aimlessly around Capitol Square (some but not all days) for his 42nd year.   — SDH