Lindsey Carlson McLendon is a senior fellow for Criminal Justice Reform at American Progress. In her current role, McLendon works to advance progressive justice policy, generate sound research to help guide reform efforts, and build a more inclusive and comprehensive community safety framework. Previously, McLendon held the role of deputy director with Black Women of Forward Action Fund, where she helped support the work of progressive prosecutors and elevated key Black women leaders working to reform their justice systems. Prior to that, as director of research and senior legal counsel with The Appeal Media, McLendon led strategic communications, research, and advocacy initiatives to advance progressive criminal legal reforms. Earlier in her career, McLendon directed the strategic grants portfolio for The Pew Charitable Trust’s public safety performance project, overseeing a wide range of partnerships, reform initiatives, and research projects. McLendon holds a Master of Laws from George Washington University and earned her Juris Doctor from Indiana University.