BOSTON, Mass., June 2006. The Board of Trustees of Justice Resource Institute (JRI) announced today that it has selected Andrew Pond as President and CEO of JRI effective September 1, 2006.

Mr. Pond succeeds Susan Wayne who has led JRI for the last 27 years. Mr. Pond, who holds masters degrees in both social work and teaching, has more than twenty-five years of experience managing social services. He began working at JRI over twenty years ago as a teacher and has assumed roles of increasing responsibility, most recently serving as JRI’s Chief Operating Officer.

“We are extremely pleased to have Andy as our new CEO,” said Judith Tsipis, Chair of the Board. “The Board of Trustees was impressed with Mr. Pond’s deep experience managing complex social services, his leadership, and his compassion for the most vulnerable members of society.” The Commissioner of Massachusetts Department of Social Services, Harry Spence, remarked that, “JRI is a valuable resource within the provider community. Andy Pond has been a creative participant who has demonstrated thoughtful and productive leadership.”

Dr. Tsipis went on to say: “The JRI Board of Trustees offers its thanks and appreciation to Susan Wayne, who has served JRI and the human services field with passion, vision, and commitment to excellence. We are delighted that Susan will remain with JRI, shifting her focus to program development.” Mr. Pond stated that he is “Excited at the prospect of continuing to develop one of the finest human services organizations in the country, and privileged to be taking the lead with a team of dedicated, talented staff who provide services of the highest quality.” He looks “Forward to working with JRI’s clients, staff and board to provide responsive services that help people lead full and productive lives.”

JRI Services
Justice Resource Institute is an innovative not-for-profit human services agency with a profound commitment to excellence. Following its beginnings as a tiny agency focusing on diversion of clients from institutional settings, JRI has become a comprehensive, multi-talented resource for the human services system. JRI provides licensed, approved and accredited special schools, community programs, clinics, and The Trauma Center. We serve a broad range of clients in partnership with Massachusetts DSS, DOE, DMH, DPH, DMR, and the courts, as well as with Rhode Island DCYF and Pennsylvania Bureau of Children, Youth, and Families.

JRI is one of the largest and most diverse agencies in the Commonwealth and has remained true to its mission which directs us to reach out to those most likely to be excluded from participation in society. JRI provides hope and opportunity to children and adults who are at highest risk of exclusion based on severe disease, social stigma, physical, emotional or learning-related disabilities, or complex combinations of these challenges.