Jesse Kelley

Senior Policy Strategist

Jesse Kelley is a Senior Policy Strategist with The Clean Slate Initiative. Jesse is responsible for applying her deep expertise of Clean Slate policies to support CSI's overarching policy strategy, collaborate on policy analysis with key partners, and more. Since March 2021, Jesse has worked on our state-level campaigns and still closely supports that work by analyzing complex state-specific statutes and creating policy goals, including drafting policies, writing educational publications, and testifying as a policy expert at state legislative hearings. 

Previously, Jesse served as Government Affairs Manager for Criminal Justice & Civil Liberties at the R Street Institute, where she advocated, researched, and drafted policy papers relating to policing reform, juvenile justice, reintegration, post-conviction life, and related topics. 

Earlier in her career, Jesse served as Legislative Counsel at the Marijuana Policy Project. She led the development and implementation of state advocacy initiatives and saw decriminalization and legalization successes across the country. Jesse practiced law as a Criminal Defense Attorney in Alabama and worked with the Mississippi Innocence Project on post-conviction issues, specifically investigating cases where convictions relied heavily on forensic evidence.

Jesse graduated magna cum laude from Troy University with a bachelor’s degree in English literature. She also holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Mississippi, with a concentration in international law from Cambridge University, and is a member of the Alabama State Bar. Jesse lives in Alabama with her husband.