Insha Rahman Takes Helm at Vera Institute in Historic Appointment

NEW YORK, NY – March 03, 2026 – The Vera Institute of Justice and its advocacy partner, Vera Action, today announced that Insha Rahman, a renowned criminal justice expert and political strategist, will serve as the new president and director of both organizations. The appointment is a watershed moment for the 65-year-old institution, as Rahman becomes the first woman, immigrant, and Muslim to hold its highest leadership post.

Rahman, the sixth leader in Vera's history, steps into the role at a time she describes as critical for American democracy. Her appointment is seen by many in the field as a strategic move to fortify the justice reform movement against a challenging political landscape.

“I grew up in a society where dignity and equal justice for all was not a given,” said Rahman. “As a proud immigrant to this country, I believe in the promise of America and the imperative to make our institutions reflect the values we hold dear. As leadership in Washington, DC, advances an authoritarian agenda under the guise of crime control, scapegoating immigrants and the most marginalized among us, I’m humbled to take the helm of Vera and continue to fight for real solutions that deliver more safety and justice.”

A New Leader for a Contentious Era

Rahman’s reference to an “authoritarian agenda” points to a political climate increasingly defined by “tough-on-crime” rhetoric and policies that threaten to unwind years of reform efforts. A prime example was the previous administration’s decision to slash over $820 million in federal funding for community violence intervention programs, victim services, and youth justice initiatives. In response, Rahman was instrumental in organizing a class-action lawsuit by nonprofit and community partners to challenge the cuts. While a federal judge ultimately ruled that the courts lacked the authority to restore the funds, the move signaled Rahman’s proactive and confrontational approach to defending community-based solutions.

Her strategy is rooted in a deep understanding of public opinion and political messaging. Rahman is the architect of 'A New Federal Paradigm for Safety, Accountability, and Justice,' a framework designed to shift the national conversation away from punitive measures. This paradigm advocates for a “smart on safety” approach, which emphasizes evidence-based solutions like mental health services, affordable housing, and gun violence prevention—priorities that polling shows resonate with voters more than traditional tough-on-crime stances. Her work directly confronts the narrative that safety and justice are mutually exclusive, arguing instead that they are deeply intertwined.

From Public Defender to National Strategist

Rahman’s journey to leading one of the nation's most influential justice reform organizations began on the front lines of the legal system. She started her career as a public defender at The Bronx Defenders, gaining firsthand experience with the devastating impact of the justice system on individuals and communities. This practical grounding has profoundly shaped her approach to policy.

Her work in New York is a testament to her ability to translate grassroots advocacy into systemic change. She was a key figure in the successful campaign for New York’s historic 2019 bail reform law, a landmark piece of legislation that eliminated money bail for the vast majority of arrests. The law had an immediate and dramatic effect, contributing to a 30% reduction in the statewide jail population in its first year. Despite facing significant political backlash that led to later amendments, the reform stands as a major achievement in the effort to decouple freedom from financial means. Rahman also served as staff on the blue-ribbon commission tasked with developing a plan to close the notorious Rikers Island jail complex, further cementing her reputation as a key player in New York’s reform landscape.

In 2020, her role expanded to the national stage when she became Vera’s vice president for Advocacy and Partnerships and the director of Vera Action, its 501(c)(4) sister organization. This dual role allowed her to leverage both research and direct political lobbying to advance reform goals.

An Existential Moment for Justice

Stakeholders view Rahman’s ascent as particularly timely. “In a nation where many think of race as synonymous with crime, Insha understands that the fight for justice is central to this nation’s struggle for racial equality,” said Khalil Gibran Muhammad, chair of Vera’s Board of Trustees. He described her stewardship as coming at an “existential moment for our democracy.”

Her unique expertise in both policy and politics is seen as a critical asset. Bari Mattes, the inaugural chair of the Vera Action board, praised Rahman’s strategic acumen. “From leading groundbreaking public opinion research and messaging to tackling the politics of crime to providing guidance on criminal justice and public safety to lawmakers and elected leaders, Insha is an expert on both policy and politics,” Mattes stated. “Under Insha’s leadership, Vera Action has quickly grown in influence and clout—on the Hill and in statehouses across the country.”

The structure of Vera Action as a 501(c)(4) gives Rahman a powerful tool for direct advocacy and lobbying, a strategic advantage that distinguishes Vera from many other non-profits in the sector and allows for more aggressive engagement in the political arena.

Nicholas Turner, the outgoing president, expressed his full confidence in the transition, highlighting the qualities he believes make Rahman the ideal leader for this complex period. "Insha has a highly desirable and quite uncommon combination of leadership attributes that will enable Vera and Vera Action to thrive in this complicated moment," said Turner. "She has vision, integrity, courage, next-level smarts, humility, and a work ethic that reflects deep commitment—all of which have propelled Vera and Vera Action to be who we are today. I leave these treasured institutions knowing they are in her very capable hands, and I am excited to see where Insha takes them."