Who We Are
The Council on Criminal Justice advances understanding of the criminal justice policy choices facing the nation and builds 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
Senior Fellow; Chair, Violent Crime Working Group
Amanda Acevedo
Program Assistant
Stephanie Akhter
Director, Women's Justice Commission
Annabel Barreiro
Finance Consultant, Arabella Advisors
Liza Bayless
Policy Specialist
Hannah Bolotin
Policy and External Affairs Specialist
John Buntin
Project Director, Crime Trends Working Group
Zelle Calina
Operations Manager
Liliana Coronado
Consultant, Brimley Group
Khalil A. Cumberbatch
Senior Fellow
Brian Edsall
Senior Communications Specialist
Cameryn Farrow
Policy Specialist
Thaddeus Johnson
Senior Fellow
Walter Katz
Senior Fellow
Stephanie Kennedy
Policy Director
Marc Levin
Chief Policy Counsel
Ernesto Lopez
Research Specialist
Lucy Loveless
Development Manager
John Maki
Director, Task Force on Long Sentences
Olivia McLarnan
Policy Specialist
Andrew Page
Vice President, Membership and External Relations
Stacie Rivera
Programs and Operations Specialist
Jesse Rothman
Senior Fellow
Kathy Sanchez
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 and External Relations Specialist
Partners & Advisors
The Council is grateful for current and previous partnerships with the following organizations.
Our Supporters
The Council is grateful for generous support from its current and previous funders, including the following organizations.