The Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), after months of considering qualified candidates, has hired activist Steve Hawkins to the position of executive director, the organization announced today via press release.
Hawkins has spent three decades as an advocate, policy strategist, nonprofit leader, and foundation executive in the movement for criminal justice reform. His experience in public education, stakeholder mobilization, and the engagement of government officials — as well as a knack for “developing strategic alliances with business leaders, law enforcement officials, scholars, faith leaders, victims’ advocates, and other key voices” — qualified him for the position.
“Steve has a strong track record in the field of criminal justice reform, and he knows how to build a movement toward meaningful social change. We were not only impressed by his expertise and experience, but also his strong convictions regarding the injustice of marijuana prohibition.” — Troy Dayton, chair of the MPP board of directors, in the press release
Some of Hawkins’ previous positions include the executive vice president of the NAACP and the executive director for Amnesty International.
“Throughout my career, I have witnessed the counterproductive effects of the war on marijuana and its especially devastating impact on communities of color. MPP has been at the vanguard of changing public perceptions and public policies surrounding marijuana, and I am proud to join this incredible team of advocates at such a critical moment in the movement to end marijuana prohibition.” — Steve Hawkins, Executive Director for the Marijuana Policy Project, in a statement
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