This summer, we are honored to welcome four new members to the Prison Society’s Board of Directors, each of whom bring tremendous expertise. Together, we will continue to strengthen the Society's mission, vision, and impact.
Welcome New Board Members
Stefan Johnson
Deputy Chief Financial Officer for the Office of the President of City Council
Stefan brings a strong financial and policy background to the board. His prior roles include Manager of Public Equity at Gerson Lehrman Group, and work with Accenture, Hudson Institute, and Morgan Stanley. He first learned about the Prison Society in 2014 through his father, who has been incarcerated for Stefan’s entire life.
“The mission of the Prison Society holds deep personal significance for me. Growing up with a parent in prison profoundly shaped my understanding of justice and the challenges faced by families like mine. I have a firsthand appreciation for the importance of compassion, support, and advocacy for people affected by incarceration.”
Former board member and Pennsylvania House Speaker Bill DeWeese befriended Stefan's father during his incarceration at SCI Retreat. Upon returning home, Bill connected Stefan to the Prison Society.
Richard Garland
Executive Director at Reimagine Reentry & Professor of Public Health Practice at University of Pittsburgh
Richard is a long-time Prison Society volunteer and civic leader who knows the Society’s work like no other. His story embodies the full arc of our mission. After spending 23 years in prison, the Prison Society volunteers assisted Richard with his reentry. Richard went on to earn his MSW and to volunteer with the Prison Society. He is now a nationally recognized leader in violence prevention and reentry strategies.
“When I was incarcerated, the Prison Society was there to help. Now I want to help others still inside. My role on the board as a person with lived experience gives me the chance to make conditions more bearable.”
Richard is a passionate advocate for people returning home and his work in Allegheny County is focused on reducing crime and violence while expanding opportunity.
Kerri Park
Live Music Industry Professional
Kerri is a Philadelphia cultural leader with a passion for social justice. She helped navigate the merger of World Cafe Live and LiveConnections, and currently serves on boards including the Philadelphia Music Alliance and NIVA’s Northeast Corridor.
“There’s so much misinformation and stigma about incarceration. I had to unlearn some of it myself. My goal is to foster compassionate conversations that shift the narrative to better connect us all.”
A longtime Prison Society supporter, Kerri has served on our Advancement Committee. She has hired formerly incarcerated staff throughout her career. Her extensive network and communications expertise will help amplify the Society’s message and impact.
David Thornburgh (Returning Board Member)
Chair, Ballot PA Campaign to End Closed Primaries; Civic Entrepreneur
David is a nationally recognized civic entrepreneur who has led numerous high-impact initiatives to address community challenges. His past leadership at the Committee of Seventy focused on ethics reform, government accountability, and public engagement.
“At a time when our political process seems intent on dividing and demonizing the ‘other’, the Prison Society reminds us of our shared humanity—and that everyone, particularly people who are incarcerated, deserve dignity, respect, and forgiveness. I’m honored to return to this mission alongside such strong leadership.”
David previously served two consecutive terms on the board and brings seasoned nonprofit leadership, advocacy, and communications skills to support the Society's policy agenda.
We are thrilled to welcome such a dynamic and deeply committed group to our board, and we look forward to all that they will bring to advance our mission.