Tara Kunkel

Tara Kunkel is an experienced professional in the fields of criminal justice and behavioral health, currently serving as the Executive Director of Rulo Strategies since March 2020, where the focus is on fostering collaboration between the justice system and public health partners. Prior to this role, Tara worked at the U.S. Department of Justice as a Senior Drug Policy Advisor from 2016 to March 2020, contributing to national criminal justice policy development. Tara has also held significant positions at the National Center for State Courts as a Principal Court Management Consultant, and as a Visiting Fellow at the Bureau of Justice Assistance, enhancing state programs for opioid abuse prevention. Early career experience includes serving as the Adult Drug Court Administrator for the 12th Circuit Judicial Court, with a commitment to training and compliance. Tara holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Virginia and a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University.