Marlena Jentz

Vice President of Operations and Strategic Partnerships

Marlena is a social justice advocate who is passionate about systems reform, equity initiatives, and improving outcomes for those involved in the justice system. For over nine years, she worked at the Cook County Jail and ultimately rose to the position of First Assistant Executive Director. During her tenure there, Marlena learned the principals of restorative justice and the power of leading with empathy, compassion, and a trauma-informed lens. Marlena also worked for former Illinois Governor Pat Quinn as Deputy Director of Communications. Marlena has a BA from Saint Louis University and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy.