#United States #New York #REFORM Alliance #Jessica Jackson #Criminal Justice

REFORM Alliance Announces New Executive Leadership Team

In a significant milestone, REFORM Alliance, an influential organization dedicated to transforming the U.S. criminal justice system, has announced its newly expanded Executive Leadership Team. This announcement coincides with the celebration of six years of impactful advocacy and reform work in the fields of probation and parole. Established in 2019, REFORM has sought to address the significant issues within these systems, which affect millions of Americans.

The impetus for REFORM’s foundation stemmed from the recognition that traditional probation and parole systems often lead to cycles of incarceration, disproportionately impacting marginalized communities. Over the years, the organization has successfully pushed for changes in legislation, having passed 18 bipartisan bills in 11 states, creating pathways for over 850,000 individuals to exit a punitive system.

New Leadership with Diverse Experience

Leading the organization into this new chapter is CEO Jessica Jackson, who stepped into the role in August 2024. Jackson, a founding member of REFORM, is known for her advocacy for human rights and her role in drafting transformative legislation, including the landmark First Step Act. Her unique perspective, which combines legislative insight and community safety concerns from her tenure in local government, positions her to effectively amplify REFORM's mission.

The newly announced Executive Leadership Team includes other notable individuals:

• - Erin Haney, Chief Policy Officer: A seasoned public defender and policy expert, Haney has been pivotal in shaping REFORM’s legislative strategies, aligning them with community needs.
• - Ed Herrera, Chief Operating Officer: Herrera brings substantial nonprofit management experience, focusing on optimizing REFORM's operations to ensure impactful advocacy efforts.
• - Jareen Imam, VP of Marketing and Communications: An award-winning media strategist, Imam will lead on storytelling and advocacy communications, helping to broaden the organization’s outreach.
• - Jerron “Jay” Jordan, VP of Community Engagement: Drawing from personal experiences post-incarceration, Jordan aims to enhance community engagement and support public safety initiatives.

Commitment to Change

With this new leadership team, REFORM Alliance is reaffirming its commitment to addressing outdated probation and parole policies that perpetuate cycles of supervision and instability. Jessica Jackson emphasizes the organization’s priorities, stating, "Our mission remains clear: to maximize the impact of our legislative victories and champion new reforms that overhaul the probation and parole systems for the better."

The concept of community engagement stands at the forefront of REFORM’s strategy. The organization recognizes that meaningful change must come from the voices of those most affected by the criminal justice system. To that end, it provides resources and support to advocacy groups aiming to strengthen communities impacted by punitive practices.

Looking Ahead

As REFORM Alliance celebrates its achievements, its future trajectory appears promising, thanks to the revitalized leadership. The focus on legislative innovation, community empowerment, and policy reform is set to guide the organization in making substantial progress. Here’s to the next chapter, where REFORM continues to advocate for a justice system that prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment and promotes public safety while safeguarding human dignity.

For those interested in the journey of REFORM and the strides made in justice reform, more information about their mission and initiatives can be found on their official website at REFORM Alliance.