The co-chairs of the Massey Commission today revealed the names of commissioners and workgroup participants who will spearhead efforts to address community concerns in Sangamon County. The commission was established following the tragic killing of Sonya Massey and aims to tackle systemic issues related to law enforcement, mental health, public safety, and economic disparities.
“This is a true citizens’ commission with people from all walks of life and with diverse professional and personal experiences,” said Dr. Jerry Kruse, co-chair. “The collective wisdom developed through those experiences will give the commission a broad view of the community’s needs and opportunities for change.”
The 14-member commission includes community leaders, advocates, and professionals who will guide the group's mission:
Gerry Castles
Calvin Christian
Sunshine Clemons
Veronica Espina
Harvey Hall
Kathryn Harris
JoAnn Johnson, co-chair
Jerry Kruse, co-chair
Shadia Massey, co-chair
Sontae Massey
Susan Phillips
Kristin Rubbelke
Bob Wesley
Brian Wojcicki
In addition to the commissioners, four workgroups have been established to focus on specific areas of concern, each comprised of participants selected from over 200 applicants who volunteered to serve.
“More than 200 concerned citizens submitted their names and indicated their willingness to serve on the Massey Commission. That gives me hope that this family tragedy may lead to real community solutions,” said Shadia Massey.
The workgroups and their members are as follows:
Law Enforcement Hiring, Training, Wellness, and Cultural Competency
Deborah Anthony
Tyshianna Bankhead
Evan Brown
Gerry Castles
Sunshine Clemons, co-lead
Mylas Copeland
Jerrilyn Dixon
Betsey Goulet
JoAnn Johnson
Ed Knox
Zach Long
Timothy Sommer
Ryan Williams, co-lead
Integrated Mental Health Services and Emergency Response
Jenna Broom
Aaron Cahill
Emelie Cherrone
Sam Collins Jr.
Vinod Gupta
Deanna Harton
Dameon Johnson
Sicely Kluge
Sontae Massey
Penny Powell, co-lead
Krishna Taneja
Samantha White
Brian Wojcicki, co-lead
Community Education on Public Health and Safety
Susan Duke
Julie Hoffman
Elizabeth McGarry
Tyris McPike
Vanessa Nelson Knox
David Racine
Kristin Rubbelke, co-lead
Gail Simpson
Derek Stapleton
Chris Smyre, co-lead
David Vail
Bob Wesley
Jerry Kruse
Economic Disparities and Service Accessibility
Rick Brown
Sheila Caldwell, co-lead
Veronica Espina, co-lead
Pam Frazier
Harvey Hall
Kathryn Harris
Raynard Johnson
Jace King
Shadia Massey
LeGrand L. Malany
April Poole
Brad Schaive
Holly Thompson
Addison Wright
JoAnn Johnson, co-chair of the commission, emphasized the importance of collaboration. “The work of the Massey Commission will not be led by co-chairs and commissioners alone. We need workgroup participants, subject matter experts, and an army of volunteers to get the work done in Sangamon County.”
The Massey Commission is expected to begin formal discussions and recommendations soon, aiming to provide solutions that address the root causes of inequality and create lasting improvements in the community.
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