The Innocence Project announced that Valerie B. Jarrett has joined its Board of Directors.
What We Know:
- Valerie B. Jarrett is a Senior Distinguished Fellow at the University of Chicago Law School and senior adviser to the Obama Foundation.
- Jarrett received her B.A. from Stanford University in 1978 and her J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School in 1981.
- “We are delighted that Valerie is joining us,” said Innocence Project board chair Jack Taylor. “Her lifelong commitment to improving the criminal justice system and the people and communities impacted by it make her a tremendous partner for the Board and staff. We look forward to her insights and leadership as the Innocence Project continues our work freeing those who have been wrongfully convicted and preventing future wrongful convictions. “
We are absolutely thrilled to welcome @ValerieJarrett to our Board of Directors! https://t.co/ORZPiXL0Hj
— Innocence Project (@innocence) December 11, 2019
- Jarrett was the longest-serving Senior Adviser to President Barack Obama and oversaw the Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs, while also serving as chair of the White House Council on Women and Girls. Jarrett also led the campaigns to reform the criminal justice system, end sexual assault, and reduce gun violence.
- The executive director of the Innocence Project says that they will need to rely on the diversity of their board to continue addressing the systemic issues within the criminal justice system. In addition to that, “Valerie brings a wealth of broad leadership experience, innovative thinking and a deep commitment to reforming the criminal justice system. We are honored to have her as part of our Board and look forward to benefiting from all that she will bring to the Innocence Project.”
Jarrett also serves on the boards of Ariel Investments, 2U, Lyft, the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, and the Economic Club of Chicago.
