New Direction was founded by Norris Clark, who has a history of political activism. After years of teaching, including classes on American Government at Atlantic Cape Community College, Norris became active in the national reform movement inspired by the Presidential campaign of Ross Perot.  He was elected to the National Board of Directors for United We Stand America, with more than two million members, and then recruited by Ross Perot to be a State Director and a national spokesperson. During this period, he became a strong advocate for a balanced Federal budget and other political reforms. He testified before the House Budget Committee regarding ways to achieve a balanced budget, organized numerous public forums, and participated in many televised debates. Most recently, Norris was the Republican State Assembly candidate for the First District, and endorsed by the Press of Atlantic City, the Ocean City Sentinel and the Cape May Star and Wave.

Norris resigned as chairman of New Direction when he was tapped by Commissioner Bret Schundler at the New Jersey Department of Education to help promote education reform throughout New Jersey.

Matt Buesing chairs New Direction for NJ, and is the former Republican Leader from Middle Township, a current member of Middle Township Republican county committee, chairman of the Cape May County Regular Republican Organization (CMCRRO) scholarship committee and former treasurer of the CMCRRO.

Brendan Sciarra is a Wildwood business man who now serves as State Committeeman from CMC, served as treasurer of the CMCRRO and is a member of the Wildwood Crest Republican county committee.

Eric Springer teaches Business at Middle Township High School, and serves as the Assistant Leader of Middle Township for the CMCRRO, and has served as the Legislative Affairs Chairman for the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce.