Caesar Rodney Institute

Caesar Rodney Institute
Basic facts
Location:	Newark, Del.
Type:	501(c)(3)
Website:	Official website
Connections
State Policy Network

The Caesar Rodney Institute (CRI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit think tank in Delaware that is "committed to protecting individual liberties" and provides policy analysis in four issue areas.

Background

CRI was founded in 2008. It is named after Caesar Rodney, one of Delaware's delegates to the First Continental Congress.

The group is a member of the State Policy Network, whose website describes itself as working "to catalyze thriving, durable freedom movements in every state, anchored with high-performing independent think tanks."

Leadership

As of August 2025, the following individuals were in leadership positions as CRI:

• Charlie Copeland, Director, Center for Economic & Fiscal Policy
• Tanya Hettler, Director, Center for Education Policy
• David T. Stevenson, Director, Center for Energy & Environmental Policy
• Christopher Casscells, Director, Center for Health Policy
• Vil Ramunno, Director of Communications & Development

The following individuals were members of CRI's board of directors:

• Michelle F. Parsons, chair
• Rick Levinson, vice chair
• Emmanuel G. Fournaris, treasurer
• Stacie Beck
• Gene Truono
• Robert B. Arlett
• Brandon Brice

Work and activities

Policy research

CRI conducts research in a number of areas, releasing op-eds, articles and policy briefs. It also holds events related to Caesar Rodney and the group's mission.

The organization maintains four policy centers: the Center for Economic & Fiscal Policy, the Center for Education Policy, the Center for Energy & Environmental Policy, and the Center for Health Policy.

Center for Economic & Fiscal Policy

The center aims to develop "bi-partisan strategies and alternative policy options that will bring transparency, regulatory reform, and improved effectiveness to the tens of billions of dollars spent by the State every year," according to its website. The center publishes policy proposals and research on fiscal matters.

Center for Education Policy

The center works to "educate the public about the problems caused by school boards that are influenced more by teachers' unions than the local community, as well as advocate for various educational changes that will improve student learning." The center conducts research on education issues and launches public information campaigns on matters such as school choice.

Center for Energy & Environmental Policy

The center aims to establish "CRI as a leading source of sound energy and environmental policy information in Delaware and nationally" and advocates for "sound energy and environmental policies that balance environmental concerns with cost and reliability, thus boosting conservation and the economy." The center has filed public comment on proposed offshore wind development near Delaware and has argued in favor of carbon capture technology.

Center for Health Policy

The center advocates "for advancing healthcare services in Delaware on a more free-market basis." The center has opposed the Affordable Care Act and Delaware's Certificate of Need legislation.

Notable endorsements

See also: Ballotpedia: Our approach to covering endorsements

This section displays endorsements this organization made in elections within Ballotpedia's coverage scope. Know of one we missed? Click here to let us know.

Finances

The following is a breakdown of Caesar Rodney Institute's revenues and expenses for the 2017 to 2022 fiscal years, according to documents submitted to the Internal Revenue Service.

Annual revenue and expenses for Caesar Rodney Institute, 2017–2022

Tax Year	Total Revenue	Total Expenses
2022	$351,654	$503,253
2021	$464,201	$360,524
2020	$358,313	$315,114
2019	$299,710	$244,540
2018	$206,622	$228,151
2017	$263,264	$238,426

See also

• What is an influencer?

External links

• Caesar Rodney Institute
• CRI Blog
• CRI YouTube channel
• CRI Facebook group