“Together, these seven individuals bring a range of experiences in interacting with the Philadelphia Prisons System,” said Nutter. “Their collective perspective and skills will lend valuable insight into addressing criminal justice issues.”

The Prison Board of Trustees is a departmental board of the Department of Human Services responsible for advising the Prisons Commissioner on policy and operational matters regarding the prison system. The Board consists of seven members appointed by the Mayor, with the Commissioner of the Department of Human Services serving as an Ex-Officio member. The members of the Board of Trustees are appointed by the Mayor and serve at his pleasure.

Biographies:

James Duckworth is an attorney with the firm of Keller & Goggin. A former Assistant City Solicitor, he served as Deputy General Counsel to the Prisons.

Dr. David Grande is a Resident Physician in the Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania.

Richard R. Harris is a partner in the Litigation Department of Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel LLP.

Chad Lassiter, MSW, is a member of the staff at Children's Hospital and Adjunct Lecturer at the School of Social Practice and Policy at Penn.

Steve Madva is Chairman of the firm of Montgomery, McCracken, Walker, and Rhoads. He is a former board member of the Pennsylvania Prison Society.

Marcia Makadon is a Strategic Planning and Fundraising Consultant. She has served as a member of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission and the Fairmount Park Commission.

Dorothy Johnson-Speight is the Executive Director and Founder of Mothers in Charge, a community advocacy and support organization for families affected by violence.