Kristen Mahoney

Kristen is the Director of Policy, Government and Partner Engagement with the Crime Lab and Education Lab. In this role, Kristen works across an array of specialties that span the criminal justice continuum with a focus on the design, testing and scaling of data-driven innovations that improve the public sector’s response to the challenge of America’s gun violence crisis. She collaborates with cross-functional teams within the Crime Lab and Education Lab and external partners to develop and execute strategic initiatives. She translates legal and policy priorities for the purpose of public education and systems change and ensures these efforts are responsive to evolving external opportunities and challenges.  Kristen leads our development and implementation of outreach and collaboration strategies to elected representatives and government officials at every level to build strong, positive, productive relationships as she works to enhance the Crime Lab and Education Lab’s positive social impact.

Kristen comes from the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance where she served as the Principal Deputy Director managing an agency responsible for over $4 billion in public safety resources. Kristen has comprehensive and practical experience creating reform-minded, effective violence reduction programming and technical assistance that aids state, local, and tribal communities.  Kristen also served as the Executive Director of the Maryland Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention. In that role, she led the planning, promotion, legislative, and investment strategies for the State of Maryland with government entities, private organizations, and the community to advance public policy, enhance public safety, reduce crime and juvenile delinquency, and serve victims. She came to the state government after serving as the Chief of Technical Services for the Baltimore Police Department and the Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice for the City of Baltimore.

A 2016 Presidential Rank Award recipient. Kristen’s work at the Department of Justice was recognized by President Obama for the development, launch and implementation of the National Public Safety Partnership.  The Presidental Rank Award honors high- performing senior career employees for “sustained extraordinary accomplishment.”  Winners of these awards are deemed to be strong leaders, professionals, or scientists who achieve results and consistently demonstrate strength, integrity, industry, and a relentless commitment to excellence in public service.

Kristen received her B.A. from Sweet Briar College and her J.D. from the University of Baltimore. She is a member of the Maryland Bar and has practiced law with the Legal Aid Bureau of Maryland, specializing in the representation of abused and neglected children.