Advisory Board

Our advisory board members provide input on upcoming initiatives and cases to provide knowledge and experience so that the Center for Justice and Exoneration Network can best achieve its mission and vision.

Meet Our Team

Nicky Jackson

Nicky Ali Jackson, Ph.D.

Executive Director

Timmy Donald

Timmy Donald

Project Manager


Advisory Board Members


Eddie GillEddie Gill
President, Advisory Board

Eddie Gill was born in New Jersey, then moved to Colorado where he would attend grade school.  He went on to earn a basketball scholarship and graduate from Weber State University. Upon the conclusion of his collegiate career, he played 12 years of professional basketball across the globe, including 7 years in the NBA. He eventually would settle in Carmel, IN with his family.

Currently, Mr. Gill is a Personal CFO with Invst. He also is an analyst for the Indiana Pacers in both a television and radio capacity.  Eddie has a passion in the social justice space, participating in a variety of initiatives, attempting to invoke change. He continues to be a resource for several youth programs in Central Indiana. Mr. Gill also serves as the Vice President of the Willie T. Donald Exoneration Advisory Coalition.


Khaliah AliKhaliah Ali

Khaliah Ali is a celebrated humanitarian, author, and advocate for healthier living, whose work continues to honor and extend the remarkable legacy of her father, the legendary boxing champion and global humanitarian Muhammad Ali.

Inspired by her father’s passion for empowering others and his unwavering commitment to social justice, Khaliah has built an impactful career dedicated to improving lives, fostering wellness, and addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Khaliah’s diverse professional journey has spanned business, politics, and humanitarian aid, with her international experience shaping her ability to create meaningful change.

A trailblazer in the fashion industry, her sewing patterns and ready-to-wear apparel have achieved tremendous success, making her a household name and reflecting her creative vision. Her achievements in television and media—ranging from appearances on The Today Show, Good Morning America, and CNN, to features in People, O Magazine, and The New York Times—have amplified her voice and provided a platform for her to champion causes close to her heart.

A passionate advocate for combating obesity and promoting healthier lifestyles, Khaliah has led impactful campaigns such as Allergan’s “Moment of Truth” and Johnson & Johnson’s “Flight to Flourish.” These grassroots initiatives have seen her lecturing in hospitals, conducting cooking demonstrations, engaging religious and community groups, and testifying before Congress. Khaliah’s work not only addresses obesity as a public health issue but also highlights its social and political dimensions, drawing attention to its generational impact.

Her personal journey—detailed in her HarperCollins-published book Fighting Weight—has inspired countless others to take charge of their health. Her commitment is also reflected in her certification as a plant-based chef and wellness expert through Cornell University.

Khaliah’s humanitarian efforts span far beyond health advocacy. She has served on the boards of the World Food Program, Project Sunshine, We Are Family, and Help USA, supporting critical initiatives that combat hunger, provide healthcare, and offer shelter to vulnerable populations. She is also an advocate for ethical practices in the diamond industry, a freedom fighter for the wrongfully convicted, and a champion for animal rights. Her visit to the Congo, marking the 35th anniversary of her father’s iconic “Rumble in the Jungle,” exemplifies her dedication to global causes. This trip resulted in the establishment of a girls’ school and much-needed hospital aid, further cementing her commitment to uplifting underserved communities.

As Editor-in-Chief of Obesity Help Magazine, Khaliah leveraged her expertise to raise awareness about the importance of wellness and self-care. Her son, Jacob, a Division I Harvard decathlete, exemplifies her belief in breaking generational cycles of poor health and promoting the benefits of a balanced lifestyle.

Looking forward, Khaliah Ali remains steadfast in her mission to help people live healthier, more fulfilling lives. She is dedicated to using her accomplishments in media, business, and public service to inspire others and create a future rooted in health, compassion, and equity. In every endeavor, Khaliah Ali ensures that her father’s enduring legacy of humanity and hope shines brightly.


Russell W. Brown, Jr.Russell W. Brown, Jr.

Russell W. Brown, Jr. is the founder of The Region Lawyers, located in Northwest Indiana. He predominantly represents clients who are charged with serious felony offenses in both state and federal court. Additionally, Mr. Brown has successfully represented clients seeking post-conviction relief and/or sentence modifications.

Mr. Brown also has significant experience in criminal appeals. He has successfully written briefs and participated in oral arguments, including arguments in the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

When not at the office, Mr. Brown enjoys spending time outdoors with family and friends, and coaching his sons’ sports teams.

Bar Admissions

  • United States District Court, Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana
  • United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
  • United States Supreme Court
  • United States Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit
  • State Bar of Indiana
  • State of Illinois as Bar Admission

Kenzi InmanKenzi Inman

Kenzi Inman is the Associate Vice President of Business Ventures & Strategic Development for Pacers Sports & Entertainment. In her role for PS&E, she is responsible for extending the Indiana Pacers and Fever brands domestically and globally, as well as building on Indianapolis’ rise as a sports and entertainment epicenter.

In her first ten months with PS&E, Kenzi served on the leadership team for WNBA All-Star 2025 and spearheaded the launch of the organization’s new partnership with Hartbeat, the global entertainment company at the intersection of comedy and culture founded by Kevin Hart. Kenzi is also leading efforts to develop a more extensive downtown entertainment district with the support of local community partners.

 

Kenzi joined PS&E after over five years at the National Basketball Association in New York City growing the league’s global event business. She was a key figure in operating the NBA Bubble in 2020, launching the Basketball Africa League in 2021, and identifying and negotiating the league’s first equity position in 2022 (QuintEvents, now owned by Liberty Media Corporation). Kenzi and her team increased the NBA’s global event revenue potential by over 3x through the creation of new experiential business lines and expansion of marquee events, including NBA All-Star, NBA Global Games, and USA Basketball.

Kenzi received her bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and was named to Front Office Sports’ Rising 25 in 2021, Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in 2022, and Sports Business Journal’s New Voices Under 30 in 2024.


Kay InsleyKay Insley

Kay Insley graduated from Valor Christian College with her Associate of Music in 2005. She went on to tour as a background vocalist and songwriter for the nationally renowned gospel group Zion’s Joy, which led to two co-writes in the top fifty Gospel Billboard Music charts from the 2019 album “What Would Heaven Look Like”. She was also featured in a performance for the 2018 pre-Stellar Awards. In 2021, Kay was signed to Scott Ellis Reads as a voice-over artist, where she spent the next two years recording books for Audible. Other notable work includes a promo for iHeart Radio as well as Verizon Wireless.

In 2024, Kay graduated with her B.A. in Theology along with a minor in Psychology. Kay and her husband Andrew own a real estate company in Indiana where they invest in multi-family properties and single-family construction. Kay also volunteers with multiple non-profits, including Girls Inc., and is an avid supporter of the Indianapolis Opera and Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. She is currently serving on the board of chaplains for Indianapolis International Airport.


Matt MurphyMatt Murphy

Matt Murphy is an attorney in private practice in Southern California. He was a Senior Deputy District Attorney in Orange County California. Mr. Murphy spent 21 years assigned to the sexual assault and homicide units where he prosecuted some of the most notorious murder cases in the state of California.

He completed 132 jury trials in his career as a prosecutor, including 52 while he was assigned to the homicide unit. He worked as an adjunct professor of law for 7 years. In addition to his work for ABC 20/20, Mr. Murphy also works as a criminal defense lawyer and also does pro bono work on behalf of victims of sexual assault.


Denise and Aaron QuinnDenise and Aaron Quinn

Denise Huskins Quinn, DPT and Aaron Quinn, DPT are survivors of a high-profile kidnapping and sexual assault case in 2015, where they were falsely accused by law enforcement for making it up.

Sadly, it took Denise’s captor and rapist to attack another family for a detective in another agency to link that perpetrator to their case.

Only then were they not just proven “not guilty,” but innocent.

Some of the injustices they faced that are all far too common in our world include tunnel vision and confirmation bias in law enforcement; media misrepresentation and the dangers of rushing to judgement; victim-blaming and the public’s continued disbelief of women and victims of violent crime that allows perpetrators to get away with more crimes; and the re-victimization that can happen within the criminal justice system.

Denise and Aaron have chronicled their remarkable journey in their acclaimed book Victim F: From Crime Victims to Suspects to Survivors and in the Netflix show American Nightmare. Now they are advocating for much-needed systemic changes within the CJS and society as a whole, in an attempt to turn their pain into purpose. They look forward to the opportunity to do that sitting on the board of the Center for Justice and Exoneration Assistance.


John B. RamseyJohn B. Ramsey

Throughout Mr. Ramsey’s career, he pursued multiple entrepreneurial ventures in the technology sector, most notably founding Access Graphics, Inc. The company was later acquired by Lockheed Corporation, after which Mr. Ramsey remained as President of Access Graphics and was elected a Vice President of Lockheed Corporation.

John is the father of five children. His eldest daughter, Elizabeth, tragically died in a car accident shortly after her college graduation. His youngest daughter, JonBenét, was murdered at the age of six in their Boulder, Colorado home on Christmas night—a case that remains one of the most widely publicized unsolved crimes in the world.

Mr. Ramsey has experienced firsthand the shortcomings of criminal investigations. In JonBenét’s case, failures by local law enforcement and their refusal to engage federal support hindered the search for justice. In response, Mr. Ramsey has become a passionate advocate for reform in the handling of serious criminal investigations, emphasizing the need for collaboration across agencies and the full use of available investigative resources.


Yusef Salaam

Yusef Salaam

In 1989, at just fifteen years young, Yusef Salaam was tried and convicted in the “Central Park jogger” case along with four other Black and Latino young men. After almost 7 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit, Yusef’s case was overturned and he was set free.

His life was forever changed by this experience, and since his release he has advocated for criminal justice reform, prison reform and the abolition of juvenile solitary confinement and capital punishment. Yusef has shared his story and stance on these issues on CNN, MSNBC, REVOLT TV, NPR Atlanta, FOX and more. He authored his memoir Better, Not Bitter and is the co-author of Punching the Air.

In 1989, at just fifteen years young, Yusef Salaam was tried and convicted in the “Central Park jogger” case along with four other Black and Latino young men. The Exonerated Five spent between seven to 13 years behind bars for crimes they did not commit, until their sentences were overturned in 2002. Since then, they have received a multi-million dollar settlement from the city of New York for its injustice and have been profiled in award-winning films, including The Central Park Five documentary from Ken Burns, Sarah Burns and David McMahon and most recently the Emmy award-winning Netflix limited series When They See Us, written and directed by Ava DuVernay.

Over the past two decades, Yusef has become a family man, father, poet, activist and inspirational speaker. He continues to utilize his platform to share his story with others and educate the public about the impact of mass incarceration and police brutality rooted in our justice system. He regularly advocates for criminal justice reform, prison reform and the abolition of juvenile solitary confinement and capital punishment.

Yusef is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama (2016) and more recently has shared his story and stance on current issues on CNN, MSNBC, REVOLT TV, NPR Atlanta, FOX and more. He authored his memoir Better, Not Bitter and is the co-author of Punching the Air.


Rafael SanchezRafael Sanchez

Rafael Sanchez serves on Old National Bank’s executive management team as EVP, Chief Impact Officer & Indianapolis Market President. Previously, Rafael served as President of Private Banking throughout Old National’s entire corporate footprint. Old National Bank is headquartered in Evansville, with over $70 billion in assets, it is a top 100 U.S. Bank, and the largest Indiana-based bank.

Rafael is an attorney and former President and CEO of Indianapolis Power & Light Company (IPL, now AES), a utility that provides retail electric service to more than 490,000 customers primarily in Indianapolis as well as portions of other Central Indiana communities.

Prior to his presidency at IPL, Rafael was Vice President of Business Development & Legal Affairs for Fineline Printing Group. Prior to that, he was a partner at the law firm Bingham Greenebaum Doll, LLP. A native of Puerto Rico, Rafael moved to Indiana in 1996 in pursuit of a law degree. He is a highly respected business and community leader making significant strides in civic engagement since moving to Indianapolis in 2002.

Through his commitment and passion for the Indianapolis community, Rafael has served on several important boards and community initiatives. Rafael currently serves as Board Chair for Community Health Network and served as Co-Chair for the Indianapolis 2024 NBA All-Star Game, Past President of the Crossroads BSA (Boy Scouts) Council, former Secretary for the Indy Championship Fund and Immediate-Past Chairman of the Board of United Way of Central Indiana. He also currently serves as Past Chairman of the Board of Indiana Latino Institute, as well as serves on several other nonprofit boards. Previously, Rafael served as Co-Chair for the United Way of Central Indiana’s Community Engagement, as well as Treasurer and Secretary of the Indy Chamber. In September 2017, the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash award was bestowed upon Rafael by Governor Eric Holcomb for his long-standing civic engagement efforts as a leader in the Indianapolis community.

Rafael holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences and Political Science from the University of Puerto Rico and a law degree from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law. Rafael and his wife Marisol currently reside in Fishers with their three children: Marisa, 23, Alejandro, 19, and Eliana, 16.


Britton SmithBritton Smith

Registration Nation Board Chairman, Britton Smith is the Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships for REFORM Alliance, an organization focused on changing criminal justice through transformative probation and parole legislation, led by Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, Robert Smith, Robert Kraft, Michael Rubin and Meek Mill. Britton Smith is an experienced national campaign and political strategist who specializes in helping organizations and candidates appeal to a more modern and reflective demographic. Affiliated with influential organizations such as FieldWorks and MarchOn, Britton continues to be at the forefront of the battles for equality and social justice.

In 2015, Britton became the National Political Director for his fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., organizing their membership of over 170,000 on voter registration projects, civic education efforts and shaping their legislative advocacy agenda. Organizing nationwide, Britton has established a rapport with community leaders and lawmakers alike.

In 2015, Smith was asked to serve as a representative on the White House’s task force on criminal justice reform working with other prominent leaders in the space of criminal justice. In 2016, he was asked to serve with and brief various transition teams for the incoming Presidential Administration.

In 2018, Britton worked closely with community change agents in both Mississippi and Virginia to see criminal justice reform move through the legislatures successfully. He was also influential in lobbying efforts on behalf of the landmark federal legislation “The First Step Act.”

Britton has an outstanding track record of bipartisanship stemming from his career working for federal lawmakers both on Capitol Hill and in their respective states and districts. This experience covers elected officials in Maryland, Ohio, Nevada, Montana, Indiana, Alabama, Virginia and in his home state of Mississippi.

Britton still provides great service to his community by being active in his church, serving as a guest lecturer to his alma mater, Rust College, coaching AAU basketball and educating youth on state and local politics through the American Legion’s Boys State Program. Britton is the Liaison to the Mississippi American Legion’s Boys State Program after serving as the organization’s first African American director in its more than 80-year history.


Alysia SofiosAlysia Sofios

Alysia Sofios is an award-winning investigative journalist and best-selling true crime author with more than two decades of experience covering wrongful convictions, cold cases, and high-profile trials. Her reporting has been featured on 20/20, CNN, Fox News, and Dr. Phil, and her in-depth interviews with survivors and families have shaped national conversations around justice.

She’s the author of Where Hope Begins and Deadly Devotion (Simon & Schuster), which follows the aftermath of one of California’s most haunting crimes.

Now based in the Midwest, Alysia serves as Executive Producer of true crime documentaries for major networks and streamers, continuing her commitment to truth, justice, and storytelling that makes an impact.


Matthew Wells

Matthew Wells

Matthew Wells serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of One Region, a non-profit civic coalition of chief executives and business owners dedicated to driving growth and enhancing quality of life across Northwest Indiana. Under his leadership, One Region has emerged as the leading catalyst for transformational change in the Greater South Shore corridor—positioning the Region as a national destination for investment, innovation, and inclusive prosperity.

Mr. Wells also serves as Chief Engagement Officer at Purdue University Northwest, where he directs the university’s enterprise-level strategy for external partnerships. He is the principal architect behind the Greater South Shore Initiative, a bold, multi-sector effort to align public, private, and institutional leadership around a shared vision for regional transformation.

A classically trained opera singer, Mr. Wells brings a rare blend of creative and strategic acumen to his civic work. He is an active participant in national leadership networks, including the Concordia Summit and the American Enterprise Institute’s Leadership Network—platforms through which he engages on the most pressing issues at the intersection of democracy, innovation, and economic development.

Widely regarded as a coalition builder and civic strategist, Mr. Wells is known for aligning private capital, public leadership, and institutional capacity around big ideas that advance the common good. He is committed to elevating Northwest Indiana on the international stage and developing the next generation of civic and business leadership.

Willie T. Donald poses with his mother

The Willie T. Donald Exoneration Advisory Coalition

The Willie T. Donald Exoneration Advisory Coalition was created to support those who have been, or will be, wrongfully convicted in the state of Indiana.

Read More About The Coalition