Jesselyn McCurdy

Jesselyn McCurdy has a strong and extensive background in civil and human rights advocacy. Jesselyn'smost recent role is as the Executive Vice President of Government Affairs at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. Prior to this, they held various positions at the ACLU, starting as a Legislative Counsel and progressing to Deputy Director and Deputy Political Director. During their time at the ACLU, they focused on defending civil liberties in Congress and the Executive Branch, lobbying for policies related to criminal justice issues, and leading the NPAD Equality Team.

Before joining the ACLU, McCurdy worked as Counsel for the U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on the Judiciary, where they were responsible for drafting legislation and acting as counsel for committee hearings. Jesselyn played a crucial role in the development of the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010, which aimed to reduce the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine.

Earlier in their career, McCurdy served as Co-Director of the Education and Youth Development Division and JLC Program Coordinator at the Children's Defense Fund, where they focused on federal juvenile justice, child welfare, and youth development policy. Jesselyn also worked as an Assistant Section Director at the American Bar Association, coordinating civil and human rights projects and advocacy efforts.

McCurdy began their career as a Staff Attorney at the National District Attorneys Association, conducting research and providing legal and technical advice to prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement officials.

Overall, McCurdy's work experience demonstrates their commitment to civil and human rights, with a focus on criminal justice reform, racial justice, and advocacy for marginalized communities.

Jesselyn McCurdy attended Rutgers University from 1983 to 1987, earning both a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Political Science. Jesselyn then went on to attend The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law from 1988 to 1991, where they obtained a Doctor of Law (J.D.) degree.