How We Talk: Research-Based Communications

Cherise Fanno Burdeenhas spent more than 20 years working to improve public safety policies and practices across the country. After earning a bachelor’s in public administration from Miami University (Ohio) and a master’s in criminal justice from Indiana University, she began her career with the DOJ's National Institute of Justice. After fieldwork that included time with the Safer Foundation in Chicago and post-9/11 federal service with the Department of Homeland Security, Cherise joined PJI.

Since 2006, Cherise has developed innovative strategies to raise awareness of pretrial justice issues, amassed a broad constituency of criminal justice stakeholder groups, provided technical assistance and training on policy reforms, and engaged in communications and media efforts. She has extensive experience with strategic planning, initiative management, and change efforts across the criminal justice system. She serves as an issue expert for legal and correctional professionals, national and community advocates, the media, influencers, and artists.

Tenille Patterson is an Executive Partner with the Pretrial Justice Institute, where in partnership with Meghan Guevara, she leads PJI’s strategic visioning, program implementation and organizational management activities. Tenille has spent over 15 years as a nonprofit executive leader supporting mission critical organizations serving communities subject to systemic disinvestment, injustice and neglect. At PJI, Tenille oversees the finance, human resources, operations, and communications portfolios.    Tenille has a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Morgan State University and is a certified public accountant.