Washington, D.C. – Priya Sarathy Jones, co-executive director of the Fines and Fees Justice Center, has been elected as a member of the Council on Criminal Justice (CCJ), a nationally prominent think tank and invitational membership organization.
Independent and nonpartisan, CCJ advances understanding of the criminal justice policy choices facing the nation and builds consensus for solutions that enhance safety and justice for all. Through research, policy development, and other projects that harness the experience and vision of its leaders and members, CCJ serves as a catalyst for system improvements based on facts, evidence, and fundamental principles of justice.
“I am honored to be elected as a member of CCJ,” Sarathy Jones said. “As a criminal justice expert and advocate, I know that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity within our criminal legal system — but hundreds of thousands of people in our country remain saddled with unjust fines and fees that they cannot pay, perpetuating a devastating cycle of poverty and debt. I’m excited for the opportunity to work together with CCJ to build a fairer and more effective justice system for everyone.”
Council membership recognizes the accomplishments of established criminal justice and public policy leaders and develops a strong, diverse cohort of emerging leaders equipped to steer the criminal justice field through future challenges. Members include professionals in law enforcement, courts and corrections; state, local, and federal policy makers; advocates and researchers; leaders in business, faith, and philanthropy; directly impacted people and victims of crime, and others.
The Council’s advisory Board of Trustees includes former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates, former California Gov. Jerry Brown, former police Chief Charles Ramsey, former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, Campaign Zero Co-Founder DeRay Mckesson, and California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye. The governing Board of Directors is led by Diane Williams, president emeritus of the nonprofit Safer Foundation, and vice-chair Timothy Head, president and CEO of Unify.US. The Council was founded by its president and chief executive officer, Adam Gelb, a former journalist, U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee staffer, and director of public safety initiatives at The Pew Charitable Trusts.
Members are nominated by directors and trustees, vetted by a membership committee composed of directors and trustees, and elected by the Board of Directors. Members are selected based on criteria that include practical impact, intellectual achievement, dedication to research-based policymaking, standing among peers, promise of future service to the field, and potential for contributing to CCJ’s work.
To ensure the independence of its work, the Council does not apply for government grants or contracts, and does not provide technical assistance or lobby.