Board of Directors

Ashley Hernandez is a public policy professional and social justice advocate who holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science from Texas Tech University. She serves as the Organizing and Policy Coordinator for the Office of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) with the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, where she leads education, advocacy, and community organizing rooted in Catholic Social Teaching. Her work focuses on immigration justice, equitable healthcare, affordable housing, food security, and racial justice; advancing policies that uphold human dignity and the common good. Ashley also serves on the Board of Directors for Kansas Interfaith Action and as Chair of the Board for the Carceral Accountability Council, bringing expertise in coalition-building, grassroots organizing, and public policy.

Justin Young is a communication professional and conflict resolution specialist who holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication from Pittsburg State University. He serves as an active board member and staff director for the Kansas City Academy as well as a community board member for the City of Leavenworth’s CoreCivic Community Relations Board. His work focuses on mediation, small-to-medium-sized business settlements, and delivering community leadership and public speaking programs for young to mid-career professionals. Justin also serves as President of the Carceral Accountability Council, bringing expertise in public engagement and communications to increase the understanding of the current system and advance ways to improve it.

Caitlin Hammett is an education professional and literacy specialist who holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science from Kansas State University. She serves as the Vice President of the Carceral Accountability Council, where she leads initiatives to further public education, transparency, and accountability regarding carceral facilities. Her work focuses on bridging the gap between those impacted by incarceration and vital community resources. Caitlin brings a deep expertise in educational engagement and a passion for supporting systemic transparency and community connection.

Nathan Cunningham is an information systems and compliance professional who brings over a decade of experience in regulatory administration, data integrity, and records management. He serves as the Secretary for the Carceral Accountability Council, where he leverages his background to ensure rigorous documentation and organizational compliance. His work focuses on maintaining stringent compliance and administrative standards, rooted in the core principle that true institutional accountability depends entirely on records that can withstand scrutiny. Nathan delivers a deep expertise in information systems governance and data transparency, dedicated to implementing robust tracking mechanisms that support public oversight and organizational integrity.

Joe Wilson is an information technology and public service professional who holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a minor in Cybersecurity from Colorado State University Global. He serves as an executive board member for the Carceral Accountability Council, where he leverages his background in corrections, law enforcement, and executive technology leadership to advance institutional reform. His work focuses on strengthening organizational accountability, financial transparency, and public trust. Joe brings a deep expertise in public service and technology administration, dedicated to improving rehabilitation outcomes for justice-involved individuals and supporting the communities they return to.

Rebecca Hatcher is an information technology professional and systems administrator who holds a Bachelor of Information Technology from the University of Missouri Kansas City. She serves as a Site Reliability System Administrator, ensuring system reliability, monitoring, automation, and operational excellence, while also serving as Treasurer on the Executive Board for the Carceral Accountability Council. Her work focuses on managing financial oversight, civic engagement, volunteerism, and implementing practical solutions that strengthen communities. Rebecca brings a deep expertise in technical administration and organizational management, dedicated to supporting institutional accountability and community development.