The Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development (CHPRD) was established in 1975 to address the needs of the Hispanic community, recognizing that it was imperative to pay particular attention to this segment of the population, which had been historically neglected. The Office was mandated to provide funding for Hispanic initiatives in the garden state. The CHPRD has an executive director and an advisory committee, all appointed by the Governor. The Secretary of State serves as an ex-officio member of the advisory committee.