Project PACT Ambassadors

Welcome Our New PACT Ambassadors

We’re thrilled to introduce the newest members of our PACT Ambassador Program—a proud cohort of dedicated professionals, community advocates, and public safety experts committed to reshaping our communities and public safety through partnership.

The following ambassadors have joined the PACT family. Read below to learn more about their journey, work, and community impact.

Become a PACT ambassador

Thom Allena, Ph.D.

Thom Allena, Ph.D. is a community and organization psychologist and for forty years has successfully collaborated with systems, institutions and communities in areas of leadership, conflict transformation and organization and systems change. A healer at heart and depth psychologist by training, Thom is perhaps best known for his creative uses of small and large group restorative practices to repair harm, rebuild trust, and reimagine futures for his clients, their communities and organizations. His visionary approaches in response to interpersonal and criminal violence, traumatic events, environmental harm and historical trauma are used by domestic and global clients. Last, Thom has served as both visiting and consulting faculty with several higher education institutions.

Author of: "Restorative Justice on the College Campus"

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Matthew McKinney

Matthew McKinney is a dedicated law enforcement professional with a distinguished career as a Patrol Sergeant at the Urbana Police Department and a SWAT Team Leader for the Champaign County METRO SWAT Team. A U.S. Navy veteran, he has committed his life to service, leadership, and community connection—mentoring youth, coaching local sports teams, leading critical incidents, and advocating for progressive approaches that prioritize officer well-being and community trust. Matthew holds a Master of Science in Management from the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois, reflecting his drive to grow as both a leader and change-maker. He has led efforts to improve officer mental health support, critical incident response, and create community-based outreach programs that build trust between police and the people they serve.

Major Neill Franklin (Ret.)

Major Neill Franklin (Ret.) is a distinguished leader in American law enforcement, with a 34-year career spanning the Maryland State Police and Baltimore Police Department. Renowned for modernizing police training and pioneering progressive initiatives—including the Maryland State Police’s first Domestic Violence Investigative Units—Major Franklin emerged as a national advocate for drug policy reform, inspired by personal loss and community impact. As Executive Director of the Law Enforcement Action Partnership, he became a sought-after public speaker and expert witness, shaping public safety policy from Congress to the classroom. His enduring commitment to justice and reform continues to influence policing and community safety nationwide.

Mark Ingram

Hon. Mark A. Ingram is a retired Idaho state court judge having been on the bench for 21 years prior to retirement. In that capacity he was an advocate for alternatives to traditional court-based responses to criminal behavior. He observed those traditional responses were inadequate to address the underlying conditions which precipitate much criminality. Judge Ingram became an advocate for restorative justice practices and came to the realization that public safety was less a result of traditional law enforcement efforts and more a function of the cohesivity and inclusivity of the communities he served. He is currently a member of the Board of Trustees of the International Institute for Restorative Practices.

James Small

RURAL EMS OUTREACH PROGRAM MANAGER, UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN, WISCONSIN OFFICE OF RURAL HEALTH

James Small is a nationally recognized public safety leader with over 30 years of experience across law enforcement, EMS, and fire services. He has led transformational initiatives in workforce diversity, organizational development, and rural EMS reliability, earning multiple innovation awards. A published author and educator, James also holds key state appointments influencing policy and public health systems. His leadership blends data, humanity, and strategic vision.