The REFORM Alliance Speaker Series features some of the leading thinkers, organizers, and activists in the criminal justice field. Through these conversations, we stay on the cutting edge of research, policy, and lived experience—especially around probation, parole, and the broader landscape of supervision reform. The Speaker Series is also an opportunity for members of the community to join us, listen, and find common cause with people who share a passion for creating change.

What if our justice system set people up for success instead of trapping them in a cycle of punishment? That’s what Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist of Michigan will discuss in REFORM’s July Speaker Series event, happening Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at REFORM’s New York office at 12:00 p.m. ET.

Through his work and tirelessly advocacy, he pushes us toward a system that’s about “not only accountability, but possibility, and believing in people’s potential.” That’s what his commonsense, evidence-based approach is all about: a belief in people’s potential, and a deep conviction that second chances make our whole society stronger.

Lt. Governor Gilchrist of Michigan is an engineer, entrepreneur, public servant, and devoted husband and father. He played a critical role in delivering bipartisan criminal justice reform in Michigan, investing in diversion and reentry programs to set Michigan youth up for success. When it comes to probation and parole, Gilchrist advocates for systems committed to “empowering individuals to rewrite their stories, find stability, and achieve lasting freedom.” Of Michigan supervision officers, he says, “We are grateful for their dedication and commitment to real transformation.” A problem solver at heart, he is a champion for policies that create opportunity and keep communities safe. He is committed to building a Michigan where every person can achieve their dreams. 

Before serving as Lieutenant Governor, Garlin worked at Microsoft as a software engineer that helped build SharePoint into the fastest growing product in the company’s history. As the City of Detroit’s Director of Innovation, he created the Improve Detroit smartphone app that allows residents to report issues for the city to address like running water, potholes, damaged street signs, and other issues.

When Lt. Governor Gilchrist sees something that could be improved, he gets to work to improve it. We’re delighted to welcome him to our office and learn from his experience.