In his role, Ken leads the state commission responsible for improving the legitimacy, efficiency, and effectiveness of state and local criminal justice systems.
Dr. Sanchagrin has been part of the CJC since January 2018, serving first as research director, deputy director, and then as interim executive director. Prior to working for the state, Sanchagrin served as an assistant professor and undergraduate program director for Appalachian State University in the sociology department and, prior to that, as an attorney and contracts manager for Michigan State University. He has extensive experience in management, policy, research, and stakeholder engagement, and has been published in several peer-reviewed publications and research reports. Sanchagrin holds a doctorate and master’s degree in sociology from the University of Iowa; a Juris Doctor from Michigan State University; and a bachelor’s degree in history from the College of Charleston.
“Ken has led much of the state’s research efforts as we’ve worked on justice reinvestment and criminal justice reform over the past several years. His research and law background, coupled with his experience at CJC, will provide for a seamless transition. I look forward to his continued leadership, especially as we work to further reform the criminal justice system and eliminate racial disparities.” – Gov. Brown