Join FPN and experts from The Pew Charitable Trusts to discuss pressing policy issues in the state and how these issues may impact the communities our members serve.
The Pew Charitable Trusts is an independent, nonpartisan research organization focused on examining a wide range of state policy issues. Drawing from this research, Pew experts help policymakers advance sound, data-driven policy solutions that deliver results.
During this webinar, Pew experts will focus on several issues facing Florida leaders, including civil legal system modernization, conserving marine life, mental health and justice, and state fiscal and economic issues.
For programmatic questions, please contact Geula Ferguson.
For registration issues, please email here.
Pew Staff Speakers
Erika Rickard, Project Director, Civil Legal System Modernization
Erika Rickard leads Pew’s work to modernize the nation’s civil legal system, a project to pilot and evaluate the most promising technologies and tools to assist people without access to a lawyer. These include online dispute resolution, which brings the entire court process online, so people can resolve their cases without going to a courthouse; and legal information and assistance portals, which use interactive technology to identify legal problems and direct users to information and resources tailored to their needs.
Before joining Pew, Rickard directed field research at Harvard Law School’s Access to Justice Lab, which conducts rigorous studies on access to justice and court administration. She is also a commissioner on the Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission. Rickard was the first Access to Justice coordinator for Massachusetts, where she developed and implemented new policies and programs in the areas of language access, technology, and resources for people navigating the court system without a lawyer. Rickard holds a bachelor’s degree in public policy from Mills College and a juris doctor from Harvard Law School.
Tiffany Russell, Project Director, Mental Health and Justice Partnerships
Tiffany Russell directs Pew’s mental health and justice work with a focus on improving justice-related efficiencies in state and local governments. This includes developing national standards for reforms that reduce the use of law enforcement and jails when responding to individuals with a mental health issue.
Before joining Pew, Russell served as the director of planning and development for the Superior Court of Fulton County, Georgia, where she was responsible for building the court’s capacity by developing policies, programs, and processes to enhance the administration of justice and increase access to justice for all. Russell also held several positions in grant management, research, strategic planning, public relations, and communications in nonprofit, government, and education organizations.
Russell holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and a Master of Business Administration in innovation from Mercer University.
Robert Zahradnik, Principal Officer, Government Performance
Robert Zahradnik develops innovative engagement strategies, manages partnerships, and ensures the work of all projects across Pew’s government performance portfolio is coordinated and collaborative. Zahradnik has extensive experience and expertise in the area of state and local fiscal health.
Before joining Pew, Zahradnik worked for the chief financial officer of the District of Columbia as a manager in the Office of Budget and Planning and then as director of research in the Office of Revenue Analysis, where he managed a research agenda that covered tax, budget, and economic policies and practices. He also served as a senior policy analyst with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
Zahradnik holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s in public administration from George Washington University.
Holly Binns, Project Director, The Pew Charitable Trusts
Holly Binns directs Pew’s efforts to protect ocean life and coastal habitats in the Gulf of Mexico and the U.S. Caribbean Sea. This work aims to protect important habitats such as deep-sea corals and seagrass meadows as well as other valuable areas with diverse marine life; conserve and restore oysters; ensure sustainable fishing and robust marine food webs; promote an ecosystem-based approach in fisheries management plans; and safeguard marine resources for the benefit of coastal communities, fishermen, consumers, divers, boaters, and others, and for future generations.
Before joining Pew, Binns was Environment Florida’s field director and coordinated policy development, research, and legislative advocacy. She designed and directed numerous successful conservation campaigns, including efforts that halted construction of seven coal-fired power plants in the state. She also ran citizen outreach campaigns, served as a legislative aide in Georgia, and co-chaired the Florida Climate Alliance.
Binns holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Florida State University.
