FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TULSA, OK, January 20, 2026 – The Hern Family of Tulsa, Oklahoma announced the launch of the Hern Policy Institute (HPI) to advance economic freedom and opportunity through research and innovation.

“Our family has always strived to help individuals, families, and communities that have experienced significant hardship. We believe it is time to direct resources and research into stopping economic hardship before it ever begins,” said Tammy Hern, Board of Directors of the Hern Policy Institute. “The Hern Policy Institute will fund and conduct research, foster innovation, and promote policies that unleash economic prosperity and allow our families and communities to flourish.”

Robert Aery will serve as the Executive Director for the Hern Policy Institute. Aery is a longtime public policy professional, with a diverse academic and professional background in policymaking, government, politics, law, and public affairs. Aery will lead the organization’s operations and will oversee the execution of HPI’s mission, including its research initiatives.

“I am deeply honored by the faith that the Hern family has put in me to lead this new institute and to help them conduct this important mission,” said Robert Aery, Executive Director of the Hern Policy Institute. “I firmly believe in the power of economic freedom to transform lives. The Hern Policy Institute will be at the cutting-edge of research, by combining technology with time-tested principles to facilitate innovative approaches to unleashing economic opportunity for our families and communities."

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About the Hern Policy Institute

The Hern Policy Institute’s mission is to fund and conduct research that develops and promotes public policies to protect economic freedom, encourage prosperity, nurture individual well-being, strengthen families, and help society flourish. HPI has filed its application for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status with the IRS and its application is currently pending. To learn more about HPI, contact info@hernpolicy.org or visit https://www.hernpolicy.org/.

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