Director of Dane County’s Office of Justice Reform Approved by Dane County Board

June 20, 2024
County Board Chair Patrick Miles, (608) 886-9167
County Board

Colleen Clark-Bernhardt, long-time Dane County employee serving in multiple leadership positions, has been selected to fill the position of Director of the Office of Justice Reform.

Clark-Bernhardt said of her appointment to this role, "I am honored and humbled to serve as the inaugural Director of the Office of Justice Reform. Together with County, City and community leaders, we will strive to improve fairness and justice for each Dane County resident with transparency, equity and data driven decisions.”

Clark-Bernhardt, alongside Dane County’s Community Justice Council, has led efforts to improve life outcomes for Dane County residents who regularly cycle into the criminal justice system. She has also served as Manager of the Division of Policy and Practice Innovation. Clark-Bernhardt has garnered much experience in policy research, strategic partnerships and engagement. Her background in policy and criminal justice will serve to navigate the role of Director.

As stated by County Board Chair Patrick Miles, “Colleen’s dedication, hard work, and exceptional performance in criminal justice have truly set her apart. I’m thrilled to see her take on this new role with the Office of Justice Reform. I’m confident that she will excel at inspiring those around her and propel the County forward in improving the justice system."

The Office of Justice Reform was formed as a part of the 2023 budget to bridge criminal justice agencies across Dane County, and to make restorative justice a more integral factor in county plans. It aims to reduce recidivism and increase opportunity and stability for those leaving the criminal justice system. 

Read more about the Office of Justice Reform on page 28 of the 2023 Adopted Budget: https://admin.danecounty.gov/documents/pdf/Budget/2023/Adopted-Budget-Report.pdf