Press Release
FAMM Announces Dr. Shaneva D. McReynolds as President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 2024
Media Contact:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – FAMM (formerly Families Against Mandatory Minimums) is honored to announce Dr. Shaneva D. McReynolds as its newest president. McReynolds has been involved with FAMM since 2013, most recently as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Organizational Development and as Illinois policy consultant. Before that, she joined FAMM as a volunteer advocate to share her story with state and federal lawmakers.
“I know the shoes our families walk in. I’ve walked that journey alongside them,” said McReynolds. “Our work is deeply personal to me. It’s a rare privilege to be entrusted to lead such an inspiring group of individuals who truly love humanity and are dedicated to doing right by our brothers and sisters. I am humbled and honored to step into the role of president to ensure that our mission uplifts and empowers every life we touch. Our mission gives me a true sense of purpose and allows me to help make meaningful change.”
McReynolds’ life has been deeply impacted by the criminal justice system. She is the wife of a formerly incarcerated person, as well as a survivor of violence. Her first husband was murdered in 2008, and no suspect was ever arrested. McReynolds first began working with FAMM during her fight to free her current husband, with whom she has now been married for 10 years. He was released from prison in 2015, thanks in part to FAMM’s advocacy for fair sentencing and second chance legislation. Since connecting with FAMM, McReynolds has served as an advocate for reform in her home state of Illinois and across the country. She has led events with Common and Chance the Rapper, and spoken with members of Congress in Washington, D.C., about justice reform legislation.
“The FAMM Board of Directors unanimously and enthusiastically supports Shaneva D. McReynolds’ new position as the president of FAMM,” said FAMM founder and Board of Directors Chair Julie Stewart. “Shaneva’s personal experience with the criminal justice system enables her to speak with passion and conviction about what needs to be fixed, giving her a unique credibility among FAMM members, staff and supporters. Shaneva’s personal story, combined with her 20 years of professional management experience, provides a solid foundation for making the critical decisions expected of the president. The Board could not be happier that this intelligent and passionate woman has agreed to lead FAMM forward as we face new challenges and opportunities. Welcome aboard, Shaneva!”
Before joining FAMM, McReynolds had a distinguished 20-year career working for government contractors in the Department of Defense industry, most recently serving as a vice president of contracts management.
About FAMM
Since FAMM’s founding in 1991, it has helped more than 500,000 Americans receive shorter, fairer prison sentences. FAMM and its advocates have also helped reduce the nation’s prison population by approximately 200,000 people and reduce racial disparities in sentencing, bringing the nation’s Black prison population to its lowest level since 1989.
FAMM’s mission is to create a more fair and effective justice system that respects our American values of individual accountability and dignity while keeping our communities safe. This mission not only reduces unnecessary suffering for incarcerated people, but also for their family members who have to serve the sentence along with their incarcerated loved one.
###