Five New CSG Justice Center Board Members Look to Strengthen Communities and Improve Public Safety

The CSG Justice Center is pleased to announce 5 new members of its advisory board. Hailing from states across the country and representing multiple professions, they are all eager to join the 17 current members in establishing the policy and project priorities for the organization.

“I am thrilled to welcome these outstanding leaders to our advisory board,” said Marshall Clement, interim director of the CSG Justice Center. “Their experience and vision will help shape our work and strengthen how we deliver smart policy, strong partnerships, and sound data for safer communities.”

The CSG Justice Center Advisory Board is made up of a cross-section of state and local leaders, including state legislators, judicial leaders, health and human service agency administrators, victim advocates, corrections administrators, juvenile justice professionals, law enforcement officials, and people with lived experience in the justice system.

“I’m excited to welcome our newest advisory board members to the CSG Justice Center,” said Cam Ward, board chair and director of the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles. “They bring great experience and fresh ideas that will help us achieve the mission of the organization. I’m looking forward to working alongside them to build safer communities, expand second chances, and create better opportunities for people involved in the justice system.”

The newest members of the Advisory Board are:

Dr. Ronald F. Day, Senior Vice President, The Fortune Society  

Dr. Ronald F. Day is passionate about reentry, promoting desistance, dismantling mass incarceration, and addressing the stigma of incarceration. As the senior vice president of The Fortune Society, he provides executive oversight to several departments that advocate for reduced reliance on incarceration, seek to change policies that create barriers to successful reintegration, and conduct research to advance policy and practices that improve the safety of our communities. He also oversees the Admissions, Education & Employment Services, and Transitional Services departments, which deliver services to thousands of directly impacted people annually.  

“I’m excited to join the CSG Justice Center Advisory Board because of my deep commitment to supporting individuals transitioning from incarceration and promoting meaningful change within the criminal justice system. As a formerly incarcerated person, I’ve experienced firsthand the barriers to reentering society, and I understand how vital it is creating pathways of possibility for individuals, families, and communities to make meaningful progress in our society.”

Dr. Ronald F. Day

Dr. Courtney Harvey, Associate Commissioner, Office of Mental Health Coordination, Texas Health and Human Services Commission

Dr. Courtney Harvey currently serves as associate commissioner for the Office of Mental Health Coordination at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and as chair of the Statewide Behavioral Health Coordinating Council. She built her career through service in different capacities, working in a community mental health center, a private psychiatric hospital, juvenile detention, adult probation, and other environments. These experiences have resulted in deep knowledge and expertise in the state system of mental health care.  

“The CSG Justice Center partners with all three branches of government to explore research-driven strategies that promote public safety, second chances, and strengthen communities. My contribution to this work is sharing my knowledge of behavioral health policies and services, which are needed to help people recover, lead full lives, and contribute to healthy communities.”

Dr. Courtney Harvey

Wayne Niederhauser, State Homelessness Coordinator, Utah

Wayne Niederhauser was appointed as the Utah homelessness coordinator by Governor Spencer Cox in 2021. As coordinator, he has spearheaded the development of the State Plan to Address Homelessness and successfully secured unprecedented legislative funding for affordable housing and services. His approach to understanding homelessness is deeply rooted in weekly outreach and relationship building with the unsheltered population. A former state legislator, he served over 12 years in the Utah State Senate, including 6 years as senate president.  

“Homelessness is arguably the most challenging societal problem in our nation. It represents the end point for individuals facing the most complex and difficult circumstances. Often, it’s a consequence of systemic and policy failures. The criminal justice system plays a significant role in mitigating homelessness. As state homelessness coordinator, my goal is to guide people back toward stability and prosperity. Therefore, I eagerly accepted the opportunity to join the CSG Justice Center board, seeking to contribute to the national dialogue.”

Wayne Niederhauser

Dr. Doreen Williams, Commissioner, Rockdale County, Georgia

Dr. Doreen Williams is in her third term as a Rockdale County commissioner. As commissioner, she helped spearhead the Stepping Up initiative in Rockdale County in 2015 and advised on the initiative nationally. Commissioner Williams serves as chair of the Health and Human Services Policy Steering Committee for the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia. She is also on the board of directors for View Point Health, the local community service board that she has served on for 15 years, and has been a member of the NACo Health Steering Committee for 9 years.  

“After working in the community for 10 years helping to bring awareness and changing attitudes about mental health, I continue to be excited about the opportunities available to assist all our citizens. There is still much work to be done, though, which is why I am looking forward to learning more about programs and ideas that can be implemented [as a member of the CSG Justice Center board]. Learning from state and national leaders provides a perspective that can enhance work done locally.”

Dr. Doreen Williams

Justice Briana Zamora, New Mexico Supreme Court

Justice Briana Zamora has served at all levels of the New Mexico Judiciary. She began a decade-long career as a trial court judge on the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court and then served on the Second Judicial District Court. She was appointed to the state court of appeals in 2018 and over 2 years later joined the state supreme court. She serves as the supreme court’s liaison to several judicial commissions, including the Commission on Mental Health and Competency, the Children’s Court Improvement Commission, the Children’s Court Judges Association, and the Tribal-State Judicial Consortium.

“The CSG Justice Center offers an amazing opportunity to work collaboratively with governmental partners from across the nation to develop meaningful solutions to criminal justice problems. To move forward and achieve lasting improvements in public safety, we must overcome our differences, open our minds to differing viewpoints, and inform our decision-making with research and evidence.”

Justice Briana Zamora