Gelb has been working for a more just and effective criminal justice system throughout a 35-year career as a journalist, congressional aide, senior state government official, and nonprofit executive. Before launching the Council, Gelb led the Pew Charitable Trusts' criminal justice work, helping 35 states adopt sentencing and corrections reforms. He has staffed the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, led development of public safety initiatives for governors in Georgia and Maryland, and covered crime as a reporter in Atlanta.