Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FEBRUARY 5, 2024

Media Contact: teamfamm@mrss.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. – FAMM (formerly Families Against Mandatory Minimums), is honored to announce Moses Cook as its new president and CEO after a nationwide search. Cook begins his position today, February 5, 2024, and will bring his two decades of experience in the field of criminal justice reform to FAMM’s leadership team.

Cook will be FAMM’s third president throughout its 33-year history. He will step into the role that has been filled by Interim President Roxana Rincones since Kevin Ring’s departure in June 2023. Cook is a legal educator who has dedicated his career to training others to become lifelong advocates for justice, and his leadership experience in the criminal justice reform field includes positions at Georgetown University Law Center’s Criminal Defense & Prisoner Advocacy Clinic, DC Justice Lab, and Rising for Justice. He received his Juris Doctor from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis.

“I firmly believe that our work at FAMM is exceptionally critical in the current landscape of criminal justice reform in the United States,” said Cook. “To me, FAMM’s advocacy is not just about altering policies, it’s about transforming lives and shaping a criminal justice system that reflects the values of accountability, dignity, and fairness. As FAMM has always done, I pledge to help our team share stories and insights from our members that illustrate the real impact of excessive sentences on individuals, families, and communities.”

FAMM founder Julie Stewart said, “Since I started FAMM, its growth and impact have exceeded anything I could have imagined. Moses’ experience aligns beautifully with FAMM’s work and vision. His lifetime of compassion for those who bump up against the criminal justice system means his heart is fully engaged with our mission and our members. I have no doubt that he will take FAMM to new levels as we continue to advocate for people facing long prison sentences. Moses has the full and enthusiastic support of the FAMM board, and I know that the FAMM membership will also wholeheartedly support him as he tackles sentencing policies with new ideas and fresh energy.”

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.