News

Work With Us! IMRP Hiring Executive Director

December 1, 2025

The IMRP is seeking an Executive Director to oversee the Connecticut Sentencing Commission (CTSC).

Search #: 499136
Work type: Full-time
Location: Hartford Campus
Categories: Academic Programs and Services

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director of the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP), this role will serve as the lead professional staff member from IMRP assigned to oversee the Connecticut Sentencing Commission. Per Commission bylaws and with Commission approval, this position will serve as the Executive Director (UConn categorization “Educational Program Manager 1”), acting at the pleasure of the Commission. The IMRP Director will work collaboratively with the Chair of the Commission to ensure that the hired candidate is successfully meeting the Commission’s annual goals and priorities. This position manages the day-to-day operations of the Connecticut Sentencing Commission and supervises multiple professional and/or support staff and serves as a highly advanced resource for programmatic subject matter.

Working in close collaboration with the Commission Chair and the IMRP Director, this position is responsible for the effective day-to-day management of the Commission. Key responsibilities include coordinating research projects and working groups, managing the allocation of staff and resources, soliciting grants, and overseeing other Commission activities.

This role also provides administrative leadership, including supervision, training, evaluation, and task delegation to full-time staff, graduate assistants, and student workers. The position ensures the smooth administration of Commission programs and the coordination of research and training efforts.

The Connecticut Sentencing Commission was established under Connecticut General Statutes 54-300. The mission of the commission is to review the existing criminal sentencing structure in the state, propose changes, including revisions to existing statutes, new criminal legislation, and updates to existing and proposed sentencing policies and practices, and make recommendations to the Governor, the General Assembly, and relevant criminal justice agencies. The 23-member Commission includes judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, agency commissioners, Judicial Branch staff, law enforcement, and other appointed officials.

Since its inception, the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP) has provided professional staffing and administrative support to the Commission. The Commission also collaborates with Connecticut’s academic institutions to ensure high-quality research and analysis.

As an independent and autonomous body, the Commission retains full authority over its priorities, agenda, and strategic direction. The IMRP provides administrative and fiduciary oversight to support the Commission’s work. This position requires a strong partnership with both the Commission Chair and the IMRP Director to ensure that the Commission fulfills its annual priorities and goals.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Plans, directs, and administers the Connecticut Sentencing Commission, assuring compliance with enabling laws, and developing the Commission’s budgets and meeting agendas.
  • Plans and directs the research, evaluation, and monitoring activities of the Connecticut Sentencing Commission consistent with the Commission’s mission, statutory charge, and updates the Commission on research and policy developments related to sentencing practices on a nationwide basis.
  • Directs the day-to-day operation and administration of the Connecticut Sentencing Commission in accordance with the Commission’s goals and objectives. Oversees coordination for the Commission’s activities and logistics and prepares necessary reports.
  • Ensures all work activities are completed in accordance with the Commission’s goals and objectives.
  • Oversees the writing and editing of Commission documents, including legislative drafting.
  • Drafts and prepares reports of the Commission for submission to internal and external entities.
  • Leads the planning, development, design, and evaluation of the Commission’s activities. Collects and analyzes Commission data and participates in evaluating the Commission’s effectiveness.
  • Represents the Commission to the General Assembly, Executive and Judicial branches, municipalities, practitioners, academics, and sentencing commissions in other states, etc.
  • Works with the Commission Chair and UConn leadership to develop legislative budget requests and formulate an annual budget based on available resources. Manages the approved program budget. Identifies and solicits external funding opportunities, including local, state, and federal grants, to provide sufficient funding for Commission staff and/or assist the Commission in furthering its mission and statutory charge.
  • Manages the Commission budget and operational needs to achieve its goals and priorities effectively.
  • Manages professional and non-professional staff, as well as business and administrative operations of the Commission.
  • Develops and oversees all Memoranda of Understanding with Partnering entities, including but not limited to other universities and colleges and state agencies.
  • Works to ensure that all Institute and other university policies and procedures are followed in accordance with university rules and regulations.
  • Provides accurate and timely information as requested or directed by the Commission.
  • Trains, supervises, evaluates, and coordinates the activities of Commission staff. Determines work schedules and assignments to meet the Commission’s needs most effectively.
  • Engages in public relations and promotional activities for the Commission. Implements recruiting and promotional strategies in the area of responsibility.
  • Updates the Commission’s website and ensures compliance of all Commission activities with the Connecticut Freedom of Information laws as applicable.
  • Contributes to planning outreach programs, conferences, meetings, and seminars.
  • Performs related work as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in public policy, public administration, Law, criminology, sociology, economics, political science, or a related field, and six to seven years of relevant experience in research, policy development, legislative affairs, or program administration. At least two years of professional experience serving in a senior, supervisory, or project lead capacity, including responsibility for managing staff, overseeing complex initiatives, or directing collaborations.
  • Demonstrated experience in criminal justice policy and sentencing practices, including familiarity with state and federal sentencing laws, research methodologies, and national trends in sentencing reform.
  • Organizational and administrative skills, including budget development and oversight, grant writing and management, and coordination of multi-agency or institutional partnerships.
  • Interpersonal and communication skills, with experience acting as a liaison to government agencies, legislators, academic partners, and community stakeholders, and a demonstrated ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Master’s degree in public policy, public administration, Law, criminology, sociology, economics, political science, or a related field, and six years of relevant experience in research, policy development, legislative affairs, or program administration.
  • Ph.D. or Juris Doctor (J.D.) in Criminal Justice, Public Policy, Law, or a related field, with a strong record of academic research or policy work in sentencing, criminal justice reform, or legal studies.
  • Six or more years of experience working directly with sentencing commissions, legislative bodies, or criminal justice agencies, particularly in a policy advisory or leadership capacity.
  • Demonstrated experience writing and editing high-quality reports, policy documents, and legislative language, with strong attention to detail and experience communicating complex legal or policy issues clearly to a variety of audiences.
  • Demonstrated success in securing and managing external funding, including grants from state, federal, or private sources to support public policy or criminal justice initiatives.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #499136 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on January 16, 2026.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at https://portal.ct.gov/Ethics/Statutes-and-Regulations.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.

Advertised: Nov 24 2025 Eastern Standard Time

A Year of Transition: 10 Questions with Assistant Research Professor Lydia Wileden

November 30, 2025

 

A Year of Transition:  10 Questions with Assistant Research Professor Lydia Wileden 

 

1. Hi Lydia – it’s been a little more than a year since you moved from the Midwest to Connecticut. What drew you to the School of Public Policy and the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy? 

Even while I was getting my PhD, I was never sure becoming a professor was my end goal. I have a background in local and federal government and assumed my post-PhD life would be in applied policy research, likely at a think tank or within government itself. At the same time, I had become fairly immersed in the academic research world, which is a hard world to quit. When I saw this opportunity with the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy, it felt like a perfect place to bridge the applied and academic worlds. IMRP cares deeply about producing research on policy programs that are digestible, timely, and rigorous. My colleagues like to push the boundaries of traditional policy prescriptions, question why things are the way they are, and dream up alternatives and how system change can come about. And we do that all with the support of a world-class university. In short, this position with IMRP means I lucked out by finding the best of all worlds. 

2. What have been some of the highlights of the first year? 

What a whirlwind year! When I talk to people about the last 365 days, I’ve been describing it in three phases: 1. Getting here; 2. Being here; and 3. Figuring out what’s next. Each phase has some major highlights.  

a group of conference attendees by a sign
With CT Sentencing Commission members at NASC in Madison, WI

In the first phase (Sept – Dec of 2024), I was commuting an hour each way to work, while also looking for a house, learning UConn and IMRP’s systems, experiencing Connecticut, and getting ready to have a baby. The highlights of that phase included being greeted kindly by my new colleagues, finding a landing place for my family, taking on my first IMRP projects, and staying mostly sane. 

In the second phase (Jan – May 2025), I taught for the first time in the School of Public Policy’s Survey Research Certificate Program, wrapped up some lingering projects from my postdoc, took ownership of several IMRP research requests, and enjoyed the sweet newborn phase with my son. Obviously, the newborn snuggles were a highlight! I was also really proud of the survey methods course I revamped and I made exciting progress on data access for a project on Domestic Violence I’m leading for the Sentencing Commission.

NASC with baby Mo in tow (at 8 months old, this was already Baby Mo’s 2nd academic conference!)

This past summer and fall, phase three, I felt like I started to get my legs back under me. I’ve dug deeper on policing and sentencing research reports, I’ve applied for grant funds to launch new projects on juvenile justice, and I’ve experienced first-hand what correctional facilities in CT are like through conversations with inmates and correctional officers,. At the same time, I’ve also finalized a book chapter and published an academic article on neighborhood mapping, and I am constantly working to develop ideas for new research projects. 

3. You’ve had some interesting assignments in your career thus far. What does public service mean to you? Why do you feel called to serve? 

I believe strongly in the power and potential of people. Especially in these fractious times, too many policy conversations seem to me to be about how do we exclude others, write off communities, distinguish between what is ours and what is theirs. To me, that’s not only misguided but a poor use of fiscal, emotional, and human capital. From informal settlements outside Cape Town, South Africa to tony summer getaways in the Adirondacks, from fancy conference rooms in Washington D.C. to program rooms in Cheshire Correctional Institution, the people that I have met in my career – even those I disagree with – are trying to chart a path to live happy, meaningful lives. My calling to public service centers on trying to figure out how to help them succeed, amplifying our collective potential, and removing or overcoming the barriers circumstance sometimes puts in the way. 

4. You have a particular interest in urban policy and neighborhood change. What opportunities do you see here in Hartford? 

I am fascinated by Hartford. Growing up in Western MA, Hartford was my hometown airport, so I felt like I knew the city even though I’d spent no time here. Since coming to UConn, I’ve made Hartford my home and I’ve stumbled upon some really lovely, dynamic parts of the city while also feeling the frustration of living in a town impacted by long-term disinvestment and financial flight. Connecticut is often characterized by its 169 towns, but my sense is a lot of Capitol Region and Connecticut residents take for granted the importance of Hartford as a political and economic hub. The city makes a lot of life in the state possible and really deserves more support than it receives. Coming from Detroit, I know what large scale blight, vacancy, and revitalization looks like. As I settle in here, I am trying to draw on that experience while also putting Hartford’s small scale into perspective to imagine the city’s future. 

5. On that note, tell us about the work you do with NRZs and the development of Neighborhood Revitalization Zones. 

Connecticut’s Neighborhood Revitalization Zones were a new-to-me policy. Because IMRP is named in state statute as a member of the NRZ Advisory Board, learning about NRZs and their potential impact was a natural space for me to step into when I arrived. Since last September, I’ve been actively participating in the Advisory Board, including doing a site visit to Bridgeport to see the amazing efforts of the East End NRZ, sitting on the Resources Workgroup to shape how NRZ processes are explained to interested communities, and hosting an event to mark the 30th anniversary of the NRZ legislation. I also took my summer research intern on a field trip to the legislative library to read all the testimony about the NRZ program when it was established back in 1995. I’m hoping to get elected to a spot on my local NRZ’s leadership team this winter. 

Lydia (3rd from L) serving as moderator for CT Policy Talks

6. The NRZs were among the topics of CT Policy Talks, a series co-sponsored by the School of Public Policy. What were your takeaways as a moderator of some of these conversations? 

The CT Policy Talks series showed me that Connecticut is full of engaged thinkers. Our NRZ event was standing room only, we had nearly 60 attendees turn out for our conversation on transportation insecurity, and we similarly filled WORK_SPACE in downtown Manchester for our event on Third Places. The events also suggested to me a need for these types of conversations that take an overarching, rather than piecemeal, view of a system. All three conversations highlighted the amazing work by individual NRZs, transportation districts, and local entrepreneurs while also making real the need for more opportunity for peer-to-peer learning so that best practices from one could more easily be implemented in another. NRZs could pool information about how to apply for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds or best practices to provide food at their meetings to enable more residents to attend. Transit districts could exchange innovations on mobile payment systems and route timetables. And communities can share strategies to remove red tape around turning public space – sidewalks, parks, parking lots – into more dynamic social spaces, like Hartford’s Salsa Socials on Pratt Street.

International Justice Exchange meeting with partners from Amend at UCSF

7. What are you currently working on or looking forward to that is exciting or interesting to you? 

So many things! One of the great privileges of this position is that I am getting introduced to so many new-to-me topics in the realm of criminal justice at the same time as I build upon my expertise on neighborhood identity and extend that work to Connecticut. In terms of criminal justice work, I have three new projects I am trying to develop, including a longitudinal analysis of police pursuits, a study of geographic disparities in juvenile arrests and detentions across Connecticut, and an examination of correctional officer well-being that builds on the work of IMRP’s International Justice Exchange and our partnership with Amend. In terms of my neighborhoods work, I’ve started talking to both the Connecticut Main Street Center and some local CDCs about how to measure resident attachment, community vitality, and neighborhood identity in Connecticut. I’m excited to see where these projects go! 

8. We are excited to announce the class you’ll be offering at the School for the Spring 2026 semester. PP 5350 – Urban & Regional Policy. Tell us about the class and how it came about. 

I’m taking this class over from my esteemed colleague, Dr. Robert Wilson, and trying to put my spin on it. National politics get a lot of oxygen, but local policy is where many of the impactful decisions that shape your and my daily lives happen. This is especially true in Connecticut, where the absence of county government and the celebration of local oversight give the state’s 169 towns unusual power. This class is going to look at local (and regional) governments, how they’re structured, how they reflect resident voices, and what that means for some really critical policy areas like housing, policing, education, and more. We’ll use Connecticut as a case study, talk about how opportunities and inequities get created locally, and be open about what is or is not missing due to the strength of local rule. 

 9. The class will meet here on the UConn Hartford campus on Wednesday evenings after work. Who is the ideal student to enroll? And, what advice do you have for UConn students interested in public policy? 

Anyone who finds themselves in Hartford on a Wednesday night! I’m only sort of kidding. The class should be really interesting to anyone who works in, works for, or lives in this state. I am excited to peel back some layers and think critically about how our communities got to where they are and what creative paths forward are. A benefit of focusing on local politics is that I hope students will come away with a sense of how they can make a meaningful difference, and why that is important.

10. Why should students choose UConn as a place to study public policy and administration? What makes this school special? 

It’s often taken for granted how much policy that shapes our lived experience happens at the state and local level. Our homes, schools, neighborhoods, streets, restaurants, parks, etc. are regulated and funded locally. UConn is an incredible place to learn this first-hand — Not only are we a stone throw from the capitol building, but you would be hard-pressed to go into any government or government-adjacent entity and not find a UConn SPP alum. It’s a strength of being in a small state that physical and relational proximity is so strong. Not only does that tight knit network make SPP the place to be, but it also means that the contributions of SPP have made a meaningful impact on Connecticut residents. 

Dr. Lydia Wileden and her two children celebrate Halloween in CT

 

From Service to Scholarship: Colonel (Ret.) Susan Camoroda’s Commitment to Public Service

November 7, 2025

woman in service uniform

From Service to Scholarship:

Colonel (Ret.) Susan Camoroda’s Lifelong Commitment to Public Service  

Honoring Veterans Day with IMRP Graduate Assistant, UConn School of Public Policy  

For Susan Camoroda, service has always been more than a duty – it’s a way of life. A retired U.S. Army Colonel with 30 years of commissioned service, Camoroda now brings her leadership and sense of mission to the University of Connecticut’s School of Public Policy (SPP) where she is an MPA Fellow and at the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP) where she works part-time as a graduate research assistant.  

Originally from Fresno, California, Camoroda earned her bachelor’s degree from California State University, Fresno, where she joined the ROTC program, citing the movie An Officer and a Gentleman, her time as a Girl Scout, and visiting a Naval Air Station as early influences.What began as curiosity turned into a decades long adventure across continents. 

After commissioning in 1985, Camoroda served in Germany before and after the fall of the Berlin Wall, in South Korea, and in multiple U.S. installations. Following a brief release from active duty during the military’s downsizing in the late 1990s, she rejoined after 9/11 to support operations at the Pentagon and across the National Guard Bureau, eventually retiring as a Colonel in 2015. 

On deployment for a security rotation to Saudi Arabia, 1995.

Among her proudest experiences, she names the teamwork and camaraderie forged during her years at the Army Operations Center: “We all worked as a team to brief leadership, prepare orders, coordinate deployments. The teamwork and dedication were unforgettable.” 

Today, teamwork continues to define Camoroda’s next chapter. A current student in SPP’s Executive MPA Fellows Program with plans to also pursue a master’s in social work, she thrives on the cohort model that mirrors the unity she valued in the military. “It feels like a team,” she says of her Fellows group, “And that’s what I like most.”  

Through her graduate research assistantship with Dr. Lydia Wileden at IMRP, Camoroda is contributing to two state-level studies related to veterans’ policy. One examines the fiscal impact of Connecticut’s expanded veterans’ property tax exemption, while the other assesses the Municipal Veterans Representative program’s effectiveness.  

“These projects connect directly to my experience,” she explains. “It’s meaningful to help identify ways the state can better support those who have served.” 

Camoroda remains deeply active in veterans’ communities. Since moving to Connecticut in 2021, she has volunteered with local Veterans Coffee Houses, joined the American Legion in Marlborough, and serves with the Veterans Funeral Honor Guard in Colchester. She also works part-time at a local bakery in Vernon where she bakes bread. “It feels good to know you are helping feed people,” she says. 

As Veterans Day approaches, Camoroda hopes people will take a moment to reflect on the deeper meaning of service. “What’s most meaningful is remembering what this country is about – the lessons of history, the honor, dedication, and sacrifice that military members and their families provide to support and defend the Constitution,” she says. 

That sense of purpose continues to drive her academic and professional path. “Whether in uniform or in the community, service is about belonging, learning, and contributing to something greater than yourself,” she explains. 

With her trademark humility, Camoroda says she’ll “see where the winds take me” after completing her graduate degrees. But one thing is clear: wherever those winds blow, they’ll carry the same spirit of service that has guided her all along.  

RFPs requested for IMRP’s ReConnect CT: Digital Pathways Program

October 20, 2025

The Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP) in partnership with the Criminal Justice Policy and Planning Division (CJPPD) at OPM is proud to launch ReConnect CT: Digital Pathways Program.

This effort, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), is dedicated to advancing digital opportunities for justice-impacted populations.

We are currently inviting Connecticut libraries to partner in this initiative by responding to our Request for Proposals (RFP). Libraries play a critical role in bridging the digital gap, and your participation can help deliver training that normalizes and expands services for incarcerated patrons, both within correctional facilities and in community-based reentry programs.

Scroll down for submission timeline and frequently asked questions.

ReConnect CT: Digital Pathways Program aims to ensure that returning citizens have equitable access to information, digital skills, training, and community resources that promote educational, economic, and civic engagement. The target population includes individuals under or previously under the custody of the CT Department of Correction and justice-impacted people seeking access to library resources. Libraries can also serve immediate family members of currently incarcerated individuals.

Funding will support programming through December 31, 2026. The estimated total amount available under this RFP is up to $1,000,000, with award sizes based on project scope and number of sites.

Libraries may propose activities including, but not limited to:

Service Development & Expansion

• Extend library services (e.g., library cards, access to collections, dedicated hours) to incarcerated individuals at the Connecticut Department of Correction (CTDOC) facilities.

• Develop or contribute to reentry toolkits that support patrons as they transition back into the community after incarceration.

• Build collaborations with community partners that support reentry, including halfway houses, higher education institutions, job readiness programs, educational resources, and access to benefits and healthcare.

• Expand programming through partnerships with digital learning platforms (e.g., LinkedIn Learning) to provide relevant training in workforce, financial literacy, and technology skills.

Digital Navigation & Access

• Serve as a host site or co-facilitator for the Digital Pathways curriculum.

• Provide access to public internet, devices (e.g., laptops, tablets, laptop kiosks), and dedicated space for digital learning.

• Offer or expand access to digital resources such as databases, eBooks, and learning platforms.

• Promote digital literacy programs and support services for returning citizens.

Proposals should reflect, where possible, alignment with the American Library Association’s Standards for Library Services to the Incarcerated and Detained. While completeness is important, we understand each library is different and aim to keep this process flexible and approachable. If needed, IMRP may request clarification or additional details after submission.

A full list of proposal requirements are included at the bottom of this page.

Timeline for the RFP process:

Proposals Due: December 12, 2025

Application Review: Will begin December 15, 2025, for applications submitted between November 21 and December 12. Proposals submitted within this window will be given priority; those submitted after will be considered based on available funds. 

Click HERE to access guidance on the Request for Proposals.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: Are academic libraries in Connecticut eligible to apply?
A: Yes. Academic libraries are eligible to apply, but proposals must align with the RFP’s goals and demonstrate how they will serve the intended population. 

Q: Are resources or guidelines available to help applicants understand the constraints and environments within correctional facilities? 

A: Currently, there is no single primer or guide outlining all facility-specific constraints. However, applicants are encouraged to explore existing resources such as the Connecticut State Digital Equity Opportunity Plan, which includes relevant qualitative and quantitative data from residents formerly in state facilities. Applicants may also consider connecting with higher education programs or organizations that have experience delivering digital education or reentry services in correctional settings.  

Q: Can a nonprofit organization partner with a public library to apply for this grant?
A: Yes. Nonprofit organizations may partner with public libraries to submit a joint proposal. Proposals will be evaluated based on their alignment with the RFP goals. Collaborative proposals strengthen community impact are welcomed.
For additional questions, please contact imrp@uconn.edu and include “ReConnect CT: Digital Pathways program RFP” in the subject line. 

The ReConnect CT team thanks you in advance for your interest in this project and your commitment to digital inclusion and community access!

Lessons in Humanity: MPA Grad Gains Insights from Norway’s Correctional Model

The handshakes were among the first things that stood out. 

In Norway’s correctional system, incarcerated individuals aren’t confined behind bars. On this day, they greet their visitors warmly – with handshakes.  

That simple gesture of human connection set the tone for the International Justice Exchange’s recent immersion trip to Norway, where Connecticut stakeholders explored international correctional models that emphasize dignity, trust, and rehabilitation. 

 “We all have this perception of what an incarcerated person looks like,” said Chidi Nwuneli, a 2025 MPA graduate of UConn’s School of Public Policy and the current Grants and Contracts Specialist at the Criminal Justice Policy and Planning Division of Connecticut’s Office of Policy and Management (OPM). “In Norway, the focus is on humanizing the person, not the punishment.” 

In Norway, the focus is on humanizing the person, not the punishment. 

Held September 7th – 12th, the trip offered participants an in-depth look at the Norwegian Correctional Service as part of a partnership between the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP) and Amend at the University of California, San Francisco. 

IMRP Director Andrew Clark tours one of Norway’s correctional facilities

Connecticut Department of Corrections (CTDOC) personnel were Amon those in attendance, as well as delegations from the state of Washington and other public-sector partners. 

For Andrew Clark, Director of the IMRP, this marked his third IJE visit to Norway. The initial trip in 2022 was exploratory; by 2024, the partnership had become formalized, and CTDOC leadership joined to launch collaborative projects with Amend at Garner and York Correctional Institutions in Connecticut.  

“Each time we return, we learn more and take away new nuances,” said Clark. “This trip allowed us to visit different facilities, including Ringerike Prison, and to spend more time understanding how training at the academy is fully integrated into the correctional system.” 

UConn MPA ’25 Chidi Nwuneli

For Nwuneli, the experience offered an opportunity to reflect on system differences and gather insights that could inform his funding work across the criminal justice continuum, from pretrial to reentry, and behavioral health and diversion programs.  

“Sometimes you have to see it yourself,” he said. “Seeing it work somewhere else might inspire us to reflect on what we’re doing here – and how to better modify.” 

A New York City native, Nwuneli moved to Hartford for his first job at OPM after earning his bachelor’s degree in political science from Quinnipiac University in 2020. His early work focused on criminal justice projects related to the COVID-19 response.  

He pursued his Master of Public Administration (MPA) at UConn’s School of Public Policy, earning his degree in 2025, while continuing full-time at OPM.

“Everyone I met at OPM emphasized the value of an advanced degree,” he said. “UConn’s program stood out for its strength in public finance and government project management, which aligned with my interests.”  

Today, Nwuneli manages a portfolio of federal and state grants supporting reentry services, community-based violence prevention, behavioral health interventions, and other justice initiatives.  

“Our division’s work includes all criminal justice areas from diversion and pretrial to post incarceration,” he said. “Seeing how Norway approaches all stages of the justice system, both before and after incarceration, was invaluable.” 

Chidi Nwuneli, center, with Undersecretary Daniel Karpowitz (L) and IMRP Director Andrew Clark (R).

Nwuneli attended alongside Daniel Karpowitz, OPM’s Undersecretary for Criminal Justice. Together, the group visited facilities including Ringerike, Indre Østfold, Halden, Ila, and Bastøy prisons, meeting with both correctional officers and incarcerated individuals. Days were filled with educational workshops on correctional officer training, rehabilitation practices, and reentry programs.

Nwuneli noted that incarcerated individuals in Norway remain active citizens – with the right to vote – and face no permanent stigma upon release. “You did your time, and you’re done,” he said. “There’s no post-incarceration registry or ‘Scarlet Letter’ following you.” 

That philosophy is intentional, says Per Sigurd Våge, Director of the Norwegian Correctional Services’ International Unit and a partner in the International Justice Exchange. “We are building a safe society,” Våge explained. “When we release people, we are building safe neighbors.”  

We are building a safe society. When we release people, we are building safe neighbors.

The visiting delegations also had the opportunity to dine together with inmates and enjoy a meal prepared for them by those in custody.

“They have access to fresh food and cook communally,” Nwuneli explains of the role nutrition plays. “They have far lower levels chronic illnesses in their incarcerated population than what we accept here.”  

A visit to the Correctional Service of Norway Staff Academy (KRUS) highlighted another major difference: the depth of officer training – two years of training in Norway vs. 14 weeks in Connecticut. Additionally, many Norwegian correctional officers come from backgrounds in social work, education, or mental health. 

“They bring those experiences and became corrections officers trained to help people,” explains Nwuneli. “In the U.S., most of our corrections officers lack that experience and have to be taught the humane side.” 

“I don’t think we can solve this on one trip, but I do think it puts us in the right direction,” he concludes. “The insights gained will help guide how we shape and fund pilot programs moving forward.” 

The delegation also visited the Nobel Peace Center, a museum dedicated to the Nobel Peace Prize and its global impact. 

Each visit helps us expand our horizons and discover new ways of doing things.

Clark notes that another delegation will return to Norway in November, part of ongoing efforts to engage with international partners and bring best practices back home.  

“Each time we go, we gain valuable feedback about our work in Connecticut relative to other states and jurisdictions,” he explains. “Each visit helps us expand our horizons and discover new ways of doing things.” 

From Classroom to Commission: Finding a Fast-Track to Success

September 23, 2025

Headshot Tommy

When it came time to choose a college, Tommy Dowd knew exactly where he would go. “I come from a UConn through-and-through family,” he explains. “One of my brothers went to UConn. My parents met at UConn. My aunt was the one who introduced them.” 

What he was less certain about was his path after graduation. 

The Wethersfield native, a double-major in political science and economics, considered law school until a chance encounter with a fellow student opened an unexpected door.  

“I was studying for an exam in the library on a floor I’d never been to,” he explains. “This kid came up to me and said, ‘We’re in the same class.’ We studied together, and he told me about the 4+1 program.” 

“As a sophomore I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my life, but this seemed like a really good opportunity to explore interests I already had,” he says. “It’s a slightly heavier course load since you’re working on your master’s degree while still an undergrad, but instead of two additional years of study, you only add one. And in that final year, you complete an internship in your field that you’re getting paid for. You gain an advantage by having an advanced degree just one year out of college – it gives you so much flexibility.” 

He applied and began UConn’s School of Public Policy’s 4+1 MPP Fast-Track program in his junior year.  The additional coursework didn’t deter him despite his busy extracurricular schedule. As an undergrad, Tommy spent three years working at UConn’s Visitors Center, giving tours to prospective students. He was also a member of A Minor, one of UConn’s a cappella groups, and spent spring breaks with Honors Across State Borders, working with Habitat for Humanity chapters in other states to build affordable housing. 

“You’re taking graduate-level classes in undergrad, so you get exposure to what a postgraduate course load is like,” he says. He also found his classmates more engaged in graduate-level classes.  

Another chance encounter in the spring of 2023, during his final semester of grad school, introduced Tommy to the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP) at the School of Public Policy.  

“I needed to round out my schedule with an elective, so I decided to take Justice Reinvestment with Professor Bob Wilson. It sounded interesting to learn about real-world applications of public policy.” 

Students were tasked with creating a history of two IMRP initiatives: the Connecticut Sentencing Commission (CTSC) and the Connecticut Racial Profiling Prohibition Project (CTRP3).  

“I hadn’t previously heard of the IMRP,” he admits. “The Institute at the School focuses on  evidence-based research and evaluation of state criminal justice policies. Andrew Clark, the director, and Ken Barone, the associate director, came to the class to explain the type of written history they were looking for.” 

The course was transformative for Dowd, who has always been passionate about politics and civic engagement.  

“This was one of my first experiences doing legislative research and seeing the evolution of a policy program – how you turn something from an idea into a law,” he explains. “These aren’t just words in a textbook; these are policies that impact peoples’ lives.” 

To complete the work, Dowd and his classmates conducted interviews with stakeholders including members of the Sentencing Commission, legislative leaders like former Rep. Bill Dyson, and Connecticut police chiefs. The project wasn’t finished before the end of the semester and graduation, so Professor Wilson hired Tommy as a graduate assistant that summer to complete the project’s edits and revisions. 

Through that experience, Tommy stayed in contact with Alex Tsarkov, then executive director of the Connecticut Sentencing Commission, who needed student workers for various research projects. Tommy began working part-time with Tsarkov, about 25-30 hours per week, until a full-time position opened in March 2024, once again placing himself in the right spot for the next step in his career.  

“I didn’t sign up for the class thinking ‘This is what I’m going to do for my first job,’” he reflects. “You never know how these things will evolve, so always bring your best self to the table.”

I didn’t sign up for the class thinking ‘This is what I’m going to do for my first job. You never know how these things will evolve, so always bring your best self to the table.

Though initially interested in economic policy, his classroom experiences introduced him to criminal justice policy, which he finds more complex.  

“It’s a very different way of thinking about public policy,” he says. “In economic policy, people will argue about details of tax rates or healthcare plans, but everyone basically shares the same goals. In criminal justice policy, you encounter deep, philosophical questions: What is justice? How do we balance public safety with giving people who have committed offenses a chance to turn their lives around? We aim for evidence-based, cost-effective decision-making, yet many of those choices are shaped by normative, moral-based questions that center on how we treat people as a society.”  

What is justice? How do we balance public safety with giving people who have committed offenses a chance to turn their lives around? We aim for evidence-based, cost-effective decision-making, yet many of those choices are shaped by normative, moral-based questions that center on how we treat people as a society.

In his role as program assistant, he handles all administrative functions for the CTSC including scheduling meetings, recording minutes, updating the website, and responding to inquiries. Dowd also contributes to legislative research, drafting sections of reports or editing sections of reports received from external partners.  

Last fall, he assisted Tsarkov with the Commission’s sixth symposium: Pretrial Justice in Connecticut, a full-day event at the UConn School of Law with more than 150 attendees. Dowd helped manage all aspects of planning including venue coordination, arranging presenters and panelists, compiling the program, and overseeing stakeholder communication.  

He now works with Rich Sparaco, recently appointed interim executive director of the Sentencing Commission following Tsarkov’s departure for Connecticut’s Board of Pardons and Paroles. Along with other IMRP staff and CTSC members, he attended the National Association of Sentencing Commissions annual conference in Madison, Wisconsin in August. 

“There’s a niche community around the country of people who do the same job I do. It was great to meet them, hear how their commissions function, and bring back ideas about processes that can make a greater impact in our justice system.” 

a group of conference attendees by a sign
Dowd, third from left, is among those from the IMRP and the Connecticut Sentencing Commission who attended the NASC conference in August, 2025

“I’m very thankful,” he says of his transition to a full-time role as a program assistant for the Connecticut Sentencing Commission and staff member of the IMRP. “I came into SPP not knowing much about what an MPP was or what it can do for me, and here I am five years later in an established field. It really has taken me on a journey, giving me the skills, experiences, and connections to turn my broad interests into a career path.” 

To current students, he offers advice:

“Be willing to always put your best foot forward, work hard, make connections with classmates and professors, and be a good team player. You never know when that door is going to open for you.”

In his own words: Click to Watch: From Classroom to Commission.

Learn more about the School of Public Policy’s 4+1 Fast-Track program.

Learn more about the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy

Learn more about the Connecticut Sentencing Commission.

Students Contemplate Voting Access on National Voter Registration Day

September 18, 2025

IMRP Director Andrew Clark addresses his public policy class at Connecticut’s Old State House

Students in IMRP Director Andrew Clark’s PP 1001: Intro to Public Policy course stepped out of the classroom and into Connecticut’s Old State House on a series of visits exploring democracy and voting access. 

“UConn Hartford is uniquely positioned to give students access to both local and state government here in the capital city,” said Clark of the Old State House, which now functions as a museum hosting tours and events. Clark had previously brought spring-semester students to the state Capitol. 

“UConn Hartford is uniquely positioned to give students access to both local and state government here in the capital city.”

The first visit acclimated students to the historic building just blocks from the School of Public Policy’s campus in downtown Hartford. The second event – on National Voter Registration Day – was organized in partnership with UConn and the Connecticut Democracy Center. Open to the public, it featured a roundtable discussion, “Voting, Voice, and Visibility – Past and Present,” with former Secretary of the State Miles Rapoport, executive director of 100% Democracy; former State Rep. Evelyn Mantilla; and Mary Janicki, former Director of the Office of Legislative Research. 

Using a comparative lens that included other Western democracies—such as Australia, which has mandated compulsory voting for the past 100 years—students were asked: How can we raise voter turnout in our state and country to 90% or higher? 

Class T.A. Ben Elliot, a first-year MPA candidate, said students were engaged, curious, and willing to challenge the panelists. 

Former Secretary of the State Miles Rapoport spoke about the case for universal voting

“Students had the opportunity to ask questions or offer critique of the former Secretary’s opinions,” Ben explained. “One student asked how we might raise voter turnout without making it compulsory. The concern is that if people are mandated to vote but haven’t done any research, they may not vote in their best interest—or the best interest of their fellow citizens.” 

“We had a good dialogue on how to increase voter turnout.”

Students were “Excited to do something different other than listening to a lecture,” Ben laughed, also noting that the first visit included a tour of the property as a primer for the discussion with background on civil rights and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and how marginalized groups who have faced resistance have both gained and maintained the right to vote. 

 Additional discussion included recent amendments to the Connecticut state constitution for in-person early voting and “no excuse” absentee ballots.  

“That side of the conversation really resonated with me,” said Ben, who had interned as an undergrad with the Secretary of State’s office when early voting was introduced and helped gather data on the program’s success. 

Class T.A. Ben Elliot with his copy of 100% Democracy, signed by the author

“We had a good dialogue on how to increase voter turnout,” he continued. “It presents an interesting debate because, on one end, it seems a little authoritarian, but at the same time, more participation in democracy could address issues we face—especially complaints that candidates don’t represent voters who didn’t participate in the process.” 

Students also received a signed copy of Rapoport’s book, 100% Democracy, if they promised to read it—a promise Ben gratefully accepted.

A class discussion board assignment will extend the conversation as students reflect on their role as engaged citizens and how to encourage others to participate in elections. 

———— 

For more information about the School of Public Policy’s Registrar of Voters Training Program, visit: https://publicpolicy.uconn.edu/rov/ 

 

Creating National Connections to Better Serve Connecticut

August 22, 2025

a picture of the capitol building in Madison, WI

More than half a dozen IMRP staffers, researchers, and Connecticut Sentencing Commission (CTSC) members traveled to Madison, Wisconsin, to attend the National Association of Sentencing Commissions (NASC) annual conference. This year’s theme – The Future of Sentencing Commissions – was perfectly timed as CTSC seeks to revisit and refine its mission and vision following the appointment of interim executive director Rich Sparaco in June.

“It was great to attend with a strong presence from Connecticut,” said Sparaco. “We talked with other commissions, and while there are distinguishable differences between Connecticut and others, there are models for comparison we can look at in terms of structure and what we do.”

CTSC program administrator Tommy Dowd agreed. “Rich and I keep coming back to the idea of ‘back to basics’ for the Commission, asking fundamental questions like: How should the Commission function? Who decides what the Commission should focus on? What role do we play in the justice system?”
CTSC attendees split up to attend as many breakout sessions as possible. “One great session I attended was How to Run and Manage a Sentencing Commission: A Support Group for Commission Staff,” said Dowd. “It was hosted by Victoria Gonzalez of the Illinois Sentencing Policy Advisory Committee. Attendees were invited to share challenges and strategies for success, which vary from state to state. Learning about how other commissions function and address difficulties will help us as we seek to improve processes for CTSC.”
a group of conference attendees by a sign
Connecticut Sentencing Commission staff and members at the NASC conference
“My biggest takeaway is the importance of evidence-based decision-making and taking time to learn from the work of other states,” said Matt Hono, IMRP research technician for the CTSC, who attended panels on Pennsylvania’s justice reinvestment programs, surname analysis methods, and veterans in the criminal justice system. “Taking steps to improve data quality when possible,  understanding the importance of regular evaluation, and studying the experiences of unique populations who interact with the criminal legal system really reflects everything we’ve been doing.”
IMRP Researcher and Assistant Research Professor Lydia Wileden said she was impressed by the presence of fellow academics at the conference and the role that research plays in the work of each commission. “As a demographer, one of the things I was interested in was a pattern that a lot of states including Connecticut are experiencing which is a rebounding in the size of incarcerated populations after a precipitous drop in the past decade. I’m interested to work with 0ther states to understand that trend.”
Baby Mo on-site. At 8 months old, this was already his second academic conference.

The trip was also an opportunity for CTSC Commission members and IMRP staffers to get to know each other, and it wasn’t without its downtime. Dr. Wileden traveled with her 8-month-old son, Mo, whose favorite moment came outside of the conference when he got to see exotic animals at the Madison Zoo, including chickens. 

There was also a team-based scavenger hunt and bar crawl. While Connecticut didn’t emerge victorious, a good time was had by all.

“We had lots of cheese curds, which was a big plus,” added Tommy Dowd.

The team will share highlights of the conference at the next CTSC Commission meeting which has been rescheduled from its planned date in September to October 23rd.
To learn more about the Connecticut Sentencing Commission, visit their website: https://ctsentencingcommission.org/

Meet CTSC Interim Executive Director Rich Sparaco

August 5, 2025

 

Rich Sparaco has been appointed Interim Executive Director of the Connecticut Sentencing Commission, filling the role vacated by Alex Tsarkov, who was named to the state’s Board of Pardons and Paroles in May 2025. The Commission’s Steering Committee unanimously recommended Sparaco for the interim position during its June 26th meeting. He will serve while a national search is underway for a permanent Executive Director, ensuring continuity in the Commission’s research-driven policy work during this transitional period. 

“This appointment gives me the opportunity to continue to work in the field that I have been a part of for over 30 years in Connecticut,” said Sparaco. “It encompasses many of the areas I’ve been involved in and some new ones, especially the pretrial arena. While it’s not easy to just step into the ongoing work of the Commission, I’m fortunate to continue to build on what Alex started and given my years in the Connecticut criminal justice system, I know many of the players.” 

Steering the Commission Through Transition 

The Executive Director plays a central role in shaping the Commission’s research agenda, coordinating with partner agencies, facilitating communication among members and staff, and serving as a public-facing leader. With Tsarkov’s departure, Sparaco’s interim leadership is key to maintaining momentum on critical initiatives. 

“There are a number of ongoing projects and studies,” he said. “We’ll be determining priorities and how best to track these efforts for the upcoming legislative session. We’ll also revisit the mission and vision of the Commission to refine what members want to accomplish.” 

The Sentencing Commission is supported by the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP) at the University of Connecticut, which provides its professional staff and administrative infrastructure. 

“Taking on this role has given me a new appreciation for how IMRP operates,” Sparaco noted. “Most people don’t realize how interconnected everything is. I’ve worked with Andrew (Clark, IMRP Director) and Alex over the years. IMRP has a strong presence, does incredible work, and continues to evolve.” 

A Long History of Service 

Sparaco began his career in Connecticut’s criminal justice system in 1992, after earning his master’s in criminal justice from Northeastern University. His extensive experience includes nearly a decade as Executive Director of the Board of Pardons and Paroles. He was part of the initial task force that led to the creation of the Sentencing Commission in 2010.  

After retiring from the Parole Board, Sparaco was bought back in a part time capacity to continue work with the Commission in fall 2023.  He worked on medical and compassionate parole research as well as the P.A. 15-84 study, which explores the experiences of individuals who were paroled for offenses they committed under the age of 18. 

A resident of Guilford, Sparaco also brings national consulting experience, having advised parole boards in a dozen states including Michigan, Ohio, Vermont, and California. 

“I retired but I wasn’t done. I wasn’t ready to completely leave the Connecticut system.”

Continuing the Work Ahead 

Steering Committee members cited Sparaco’s familiarity with internal operations and policy framework as assets to the Commission’s continued efforts in research, governance, and policy review. Current initiatives include:  

  • A statewide pretrial justice study, combining quantitative analysis and comparative policy review, with results expected by the end of summer. 
  • Continuing examination of sentencing disparities, mental health policy, and reforms related to hate crimes and human trafficking statues. 
  • The Steering Committee’s summer work on proposed bylaw amendments, designed to clarify Commission structure, staff oversight, and the Executive Director’s role during and after the transition. 

“There is still more to do,” Sparaco summarizes. “I want to be part of the continuation of work to achieve fairness and equity in Connecticut’s criminal justice system. That includes improving risk assessment and decision-making about alternatives to incarceration.”  

The full Commission meets quarterly. Its next meeting is scheduled for September 11th at 2:00 pm. Those interested in the link to attend can reach out to Tommy Dowd, CTSC program administrator at thomas.j.dowd@uconn.edu. 

 

About the Connecticut Sentencing Commission The Commission, established in 2011, is an independent state agency that reviews sentencing laws and practices and offers data-driven policy recommendations to the Governor, legislature, and criminal justice agencies. It partners with academic institutions such as the University of Connecticut, Yale, and Quinnipiac for research, and its administrative support is provided by the Institute for Municipal & Regional Policy. Learn more at: https://ctsentencingcommission.org/