Center for Justice Innovation Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Center for Justice Innovation has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, organizational operations, financial management, community justice solutions, and human capital management.

Dedicated to advancing fairness and community safety, Center for Justice Innovation transforms judicial systems through collaborative programs that empower residents and reduce reliance on traditional incarceration models.

Leadership Roles at Center for Justice Innovation

  • Chief Executive Officer - Courtney Bryan
  • Chief Financial Officer - Matthew Savago
  • Chief of Staff - Olivia Dana
  • Community Justice Solutions Chief of Staff - Lisa Vavonese
  • Chief People Officer - So Lee
  • Courtney Bryan - Chief Executive Officer

    Courtney Bryan, the Chief Executive Officer at Center for Justice Innovation, directs the overarching strategic vision for this community justice organization. Bryan architects high-level partnerships with courts and community stakeholders to enhance public safety and promote racial equity. By overseeing the implementation of innovative models like Community Justice Centers, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the organization effectively addresses systemic barriers within the judicial process. Courtney Bryan maintains constant alignment with the Board to secure long-term mission sustainability. This leadership role involves navigating complex policy landscapes to advocate for meaningful reform across North American jurisdictions. Through rigorous oversight of program efficacy, the Chief Executive Officer drives the expansion of initiatives that support public housing residents and mitigate the burden of fines and fees. Ultimately, Bryan secures the organizational trajectory toward a more equitable and fair justice system for all individuals.

    Matthew Savago - Chief Financial Officer

    Matthew Savago, the Chief Financial Officer at Center for Justice Innovation, oversees the fiscal health and long-term financial planning for the organization. Savago manages complex budgetary requirements, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to support community justice programs and research initiatives. By directing financial reporting and compliance, the Chief Financial Officer provides the transparency necessary for maintaining donor trust and institutional stability. Matthew Savago collaborates with the executive team to assess the financial viability of new projects aimed at reducing incarceration and improving judicial decision-making. This leadership role involves monitoring economic trends to safeguard the organization against fiscal volatility while maximizing the impact of available funding. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the organization maintains the capacity to scale its operations across diverse regions. Savago drives fiscal discipline, allowing the organization to continue its vital work in promoting racial justice and community safety.
    Matthew Savago

    Olivia Dana - Chief of Staff

    Olivia Dana, the Chief of Staff at Center for Justice Innovation, manages the daily operational cadence and internal communications for the executive leadership team. Dana coordinates cross-departmental workflows to ensure that organizational objectives remain synchronized with the broader mission of promoting racial justice. By facilitating high-level decision-making processes, the Chief of Staff optimizes the efficiency of internal resources and project timelines. Olivia Dana monitors the progress of various community-focused initiatives, ensuring that teams remain accountable to the goals established by the executive office. This role requires constant interaction with department heads to resolve operational bottlenecks and streamline administrative functions. Through meticulous planning and execution, the Chief of Staff supports the organization in its efforts to rethink incarceration and strengthen families. Dana maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that every internal process directly contributes to the advancement of fairness within the judicial system.

    Lisa Vavonese - Community Justice Solutions Chief of Staff

    Lisa Vavonese, the Community Justice Solutions Chief of Staff at Center for Justice Innovation, directs the implementation of specialized programs designed to reinvigorate community life. Vavonese architects the operational framework for initiatives that address the specific needs of individuals affected by the justice system, such as housing knowledge and fee relief. By coordinating with local courts and community partners, the Community Justice Solutions Chief of Staff ensures that these programs deliver measurable improvements in fairness and safety. Lisa Vavonese monitors the performance of these solutions, adjusting strategies to meet the evolving demands of the communities served. This role involves bridging the gap between high-level policy goals and on-the-ground program delivery. Through constant engagement with stakeholders, the Community Justice Solutions Chief of Staff drives the success of models that prioritize community-based alternatives to traditional incarceration. Vavonese ensures that every solution remains grounded in the core mission of promoting racial justice.

    So Lee - Chief People Officer

    So Lee, the Chief People Officer at Center for Justice Innovation, manages the human capital strategy and organizational culture for the entire workforce. Lee architects talent acquisition and professional development programs that attract individuals dedicated to the mission of racial justice and community safety. By overseeing performance management and employee engagement, the Chief People Officer ensures that the staff remains aligned with the organization's values and strategic goals. So Lee collaborates with other C-suite leaders to foster an inclusive environment that supports the diverse needs of the team. This leadership role involves designing policies that promote equity and fairness within the workplace, mirroring the organization's external commitment to justice. Through the implementation of robust training and retention initiatives, the Chief People Officer drives organizational growth and operational stability. Lee ensures that the workforce possesses the necessary skills and motivation to advance the organization's impact on the judicial system.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Center for Justice Innovation Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Center for Justice Innovation?
    Center for Justice Innovation is led by Courtney Bryan (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Matthew Savago (Chief Financial Officer) and Olivia Dana (Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Center for Justice Innovation’s executive team?
    The executive team of Center for Justice Innovation includes leaders such as Courtney Bryan (Chief Executive Officer), Matthew Savago (Chief Financial Officer), Olivia Dana (Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Center for Justice Innovation have?
    Center for Justice Innovation has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Center for Justice Innovation’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Center for Justice Innovation includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff, Community Justice Solutions Chief of Staff, Chief People Officer.