
Who We Are
The Council on Criminal Justice works to advance understanding of the criminal justice policy choices facing the nation and build consensus for solutions that enhance safety and justice for all. Independent and nonpartisan, the Council is an invitational membership organization and think tank, serving as a center of gravity and incubator of policy and leadership for the criminal justice field.
The Council is a catalyst for progress based on facts, evidence and fundamental principles of justice. Above all, the Council is founded on the belief that a fair and effective criminal justice system is essential to democracy and a core measure of our nation's well-being.
Challenge
Our nation's criminal justice system is not producing enough safety or justice. Although crime and incarceration rates have receded from historic highs, racial and economic disparities persist, and too many communities struggle with violence and substance abuse.
Opportunity
Over the past decade, compelling improvements have been adopted across the country, borne of strong backing across the ideological spectrum. Our nation needs nonpartisan institutions that encourage people to focus on facts and agree on central issues. The Council is designed to provide sound data and research from trustworthy sources.
Mission
The Council advances understanding of the criminal justice policy choices facing the nation and builds consensus for solutions that enhance safety and justice for all. We believe a fair and effective criminal justice system is essential to democracy and a core measure of our nation's well-being.
Meet the Team

Adam Gelb
President and CEO

Thomas Abt
Chair, Violent Crime Working Group, Senior Fellow, Council on Criminal Justice

Amanda Acevedo
Research and Policy Intern

Melissa Austin
Consultant, The Volcker Alliance

Liza Bayless
Policy Specialist

Hannah Bolotin
Policy and External Affairs Specialist



John Buntin
Project Director, Crime Trends Working Group
Zelle Calina
Operations Specialist
Liliana Coronado
Consultant, Brimley Group



Khalil A. Cumberbatch
Director, Strategic Partnerships
Brian Edsall
Senior Communications Specialist
Cameryn Farrow
Policy Specialist



Thaddeus Johnson
Senior Fellow
Stephanie Kennedy
Policy Director
Marc Levin
Chief Policy Counsel



Ernesto Lopez
Research Specialist
John Maki
Director, Task Force on Long Sentences
Glenn Martin
Senior Advisor, Director, Corporate Partnerships



Elliott Masouredis
Policy and Research Fellow
Olivia McLarnan
Policy Specialist
Andrew Page
Vice President, Membership and External Relations



Stacie Rivera
Programs and Operations Specialist
Aaron Rosenthal
Senior Research Specialist
Jim Seward
Director, Veterans Justice Commission



Abby Walsh
Vice President, Strategy and Operations
Jenifer Warren
Senior Editor and Director, Media Relations
Rachel Yen
Digital Communications Specialist