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Erin Haney

Overview​

Erin Haney is the Chief Policy Officer at REFORM Alliance and a nationally recognized criminal justice reform advocate and attorney. Her work has shaped bipartisan legislation in more than two dozen states and at the federal level, including playing a role in the First Step Act. Gary and Ron Roberts met with her during their May 2025 DC trip to discuss prison education initiatives and potential Alpha Schools involvement in criminal justice reform through education technology. Her extensive experience as both a public defender and policy advocate makes her a valuable connection for Alpha's government partnership strategy.

Background & Professional Details​

  • Chief Policy Officer at REFORM Alliance
  • Nationally recognized criminal justice reform advocate and attorney
  • Former National Policy Director and Senior Legal Counsel at #cut50 (now Dream.org)
  • Helped draft and negotiate the federal First Step Act
  • Former deputy public defender in San Francisco
  • Former death penalty attorney in California
  • JD from the University of California, Davis School of Law
  • BA in Psychology from UC Santa Cruz
  • Co-developer of a comprehensive program for women transitioning from jail to society
  • Worked on a pilot program for addressing domestic violence

Professional Focus​

  • Criminal justice reform policy and implementation
  • Prison education and reentry programs
  • Supervision systems improvement
  • Dignity for Incarcerated Women initiatives
  • Building bipartisan coalitions for policy reform
  • Drafting and negotiating legislative changes
  • Social reintegration program development
  • Civil rights for incarcerated populations

Connection to Gary​

  • Met during Gary and Ron's DC trip in May 2025
  • Discussed prison education initiatives in relation to the First Step Act
  • Potential connector to justice reform implementation opportunities
  • Could help structure proposals for prison education technology contracts
  • Shared insights on effective approaches for justice-involved populations
  • Potential advisor for Alpha's criminal justice education initiatives

Personal Insights​

  • Has direct experience with incarcerated clients as both an investigator and attorney
  • Worked with clients and witnesses to develop social histories and reframe narratives
  • Experience working with vulnerable populations (women in jails, domestic violence victims)
  • Takes a comprehensive approach to criminal justice issues
  • Values educational opportunities as part of rehabilitation and reentry
  • Appears to balance practical implementation with policy expertise

Potential Collaboration Areas​

  • Prison education technology development and implementation
  • First Step Act implementation initiatives
  • Dignity for Incarcerated Women educational components
  • Training programs for returning citizens
  • Grant proposals for justice-related educational initiatives
  • Strategic partnerships with REFORM Alliance
  • Advisory role for Alpha's criminal justice initiatives
  • Connecting Alpha to criminal justice reform networks

Key Quotes​

From her professional biography:

"Erin Haney is a nationally recognized criminal justice reform advocate and attorney whose work has shaped bipartisan legislation in more than two dozen states and at the federal level."

"As Chief Policy Officer at REFORM Alliance, Haney oversees the organization's policy framework and drives its legislative advocacy, collaborating with bipartisan coalitions, lawmakers, and directly impacted advocates to improve supervision systems and increase public safety outcomes nationwide."

From Gary's briefing document:

"Met regarding the First Step Act implementation and potential involvement with Lael Alexander to fulfill related government contracts."

Interactions​

  • May 2025: In-person meeting during Gary and Ron's DC trip, discussing First Step Act implementation and potential Alpha Schools involvement in prison education technologies.

Next Steps​

  • Follow up regarding specific prison education needs and opportunities
  • Explore potential partnership with REFORM Alliance on educational initiatives
  • Request guidance on structuring proposals for justice-related education contracts
  • Consider inviting as advisor for Alpha's criminal justice education initiatives
  • Leverage her bipartisan network for additional connections
  • Develop concrete proposal for First Step Act implementation technology