The Texas Fair Defense Project Board of Directors is thrilled to welcome Geoff Burkhart as our new Executive Director. Geoff is a criminal justice leader and reformer, who has devoted his career to improving outcomes for poor and marginalized persons accused of crimes. Geoff’s leadership, vision, and dedication to ending the criminalization of poverty are sure to enhance TFDP’s impact for years to come.
Geoff comes to TFDP from the Texas Indigent Defense Commission, where he served as Executive Director. Under his leadership, the State of Texas more than doubled its public defense budget and more than doubled the number of public defender offices. Geoff has also served as a public defender, adjunct law professor, public defense counsel at the American Bar Association, and President of the National Association for Public Defense.
“I’m delighted to serve as TFDP’s Executive Director,” says Geoff. “From policy work, to direct representation, to impact litigation, TFDP has long been a state and national leader in justice reform.”
TFDP thanks Camilla Hsu and Sarah Mae Jennings for their excellent and tireless work as TFDP’s Interim Co-Executive Directors. Camilla and Sarah Mae have gone above and beyond in their dedication to TFDP, and we are excited for them to return to their respective roles as Managing Attorney of Litigation and Policy Director. Camilla, Sarah Mae, and each of TFDP’s remarkable staff will allow Geoff to hit the ground running.
Geoff will assume his role as Executive Director in mid-June 2023. We are excited for him to work toward TFDP’s goal of a legal system that upholds the dignity and rights of all persons, regardless of income, race, or gender.
