Thanks to our hard-working Board members:

Jim Curtis

Jim Curtis is a recently retired financial executive who became involved in criminal justice matters as the result of the arrest and conviction of one of his children. "Tom's arrest and conviction was my first introduction to Oregon's criminal justice system. Between sentencing and budgeting issues in our state, the system currently serves victims, prisoners and taxpayers poorly. We really can do better."

Brent Canode

Brent currently serves as the Executive Director of the Alano Club of Portland, Oregon’s largest recovery support center. Brent brings to PSJ more than ten years of progressive experience in policy analysis, program development and non-profit management obtained in the service of elected officials, non-profit organizations and government agencies.  Brent recently completed his Master’s Degree in Public Affairs at the University of Oregon, concentrating his final project on a review of national program research on prison-based drug treatment programs and their impacts on criminal recidivism [0]. Brent also serves on the board of PSJ’s affiliated 501c4, the Safety and Justice Action Fund.

Sharon Gary-Smith

Sharon Gary-Smith has accumulated nearly four decades of expertise in focused activism on community wholeness and social change, including advocacy for inclusion of the voices and creative community leadership of women and girls of color; and has worked to increase the opportunities for civic engagement of low-income, working poor; girls and women, youth, elders, and people of color in those decision-making processes that determine the quality of life in their communities.

Holly Pruett

Holly Pruett brings more than twenty years of experience in the nonprofit sector to the Partnership for Safety and Justice board. Currently Deputy Director of the advocacy group Stand for Children, Holly was a management and communications consultant for ten years. Previously she served as executive director of the Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence for five years, and worked as a political organizer and public interest lobbyist. With a Masters degree in Applied Behavioral Science, Holly has assisted dozens of organizations with strategic planning, program development, and public relations strategies that build a broader base of support for achieving organizational and community goals.

Anita Rodgers (Board Chair)

Anita Rodgers works for the McKenzie River Gathering Foundation. A community activist for many years, Anita was one of the founders and a former Executive Director of CAT—The Community Alliance of Tenants, in Portland. Anita brings a wealth of experience working with dozens of grassroots, social change organizations.

Paul Solomon

Paul Solomon is the Director of Men’s Services at Sponsors, Inc. in Eugene, Oregon. As a re-entry service provider Paul oversees Sponsors’ men’s programs, in addition to working with and advocating for, Sponsors most stigmatized sub-population; clients with mental illness, physical and cognitive challenges, and histories of lengthy incarceration. Paul also doubles as the Information Technology Specialist for the agency while balancing the joys and responsibilities of co-parenting four fabulous children. With an extensive background in accounting and social services, Paul brings an awareness of the inherent problems within the criminal justice system. Mr. Solomon is dedicated to creating positive systemic change; promoting public safety while fostering ex-offender access to rehabilitation, education and re-entry opportunities.

Taneisha White

Taneisha works at the Western States Center. She joined the Partnership for Safety and Justice board because she cares about what happens to people in the prison system. “I'm a former prisoner,” says Taneisha, “and I know from personal experience that there is a lot of information that prisoners don’t receive. For example, I was never told I had the right to vote once I was out. My goal is to help prisoners know their rights and learn about resources that can help them once they get out.”

Terry Leckron

Terry Leckron has 18 years experience working with individuals with multiple barriers to employment. As Director of the Central City Concern Portland Metro Worksource since 2003, Terry has created pathways to assist ex-offenders in finding employment and integrating back into society.  Terry is especially passionate about our Beyond Barriers program.  “As a person who has come from multiple barriers, I am passionate around the issues of giving all people the chance to be a tax paying citizen. The reason for my interest in the board of the Partnership for Safety and Justice is that the Beyond Barriers, Prison Program and all the other programs fit in line with my own personal and professional goals.”