Press Release: The Last Mile Announces Ken Oliver to the Board of Directors July 20, 2023 PRESS RELEASE July 20, 2023Ken Oliver Joins The Last Mile’s Board of Directors Ushering in a New Era of Progressive Prison Education Oakland, CA – The Last Mile, the most progressive prison education program in the United States, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Ken Oliver to its esteemed Board of Directors. As the Executive Director of the Checkr Foundation, Ken brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise in the realm of social impact and education, promising to usher in a new era of transformation and innovation for The Last Mile. Founded in 2010, The Last Mile has dedicated itself to transforming lives and breaking the cycle of recidivism through technology-based education and entrepreneurship. By providing incarcerated individuals with the opportunity to learn coding, audio/video production, and other valuable skills, the program empowers them with the tools they need to successfully reintegrate into society and thrive in their professional and personal lives. As a driving force behind the Checkr Foundation, Ken Oliver has consistently demonstrated a commitment to creating positive change and empowering marginalized communities. The Checkr Foundation, an organization renowned for its philanthropic efforts and support of criminal justice reform, aligns perfectly with The Last Mile’s mission. With Ken now on board, the organization is poised to reach new heights in its efforts to transform lives behind bars. “We are honored to welcome Ken Oliver to The Last Mile’s Board of Directors,” said Chris Redlitz, Executive Director and Co-Founder of The Last Mile. “Ken’s extensive background in social impact, education, and criminal justice reform makes him a valuable addition to our team. His vision and dedication will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in driving our organization forward as we strive to create lasting change in the lives of incarcerated individuals.” Ken Oliver’s passion for creating a more just and equitable society aligns seamlessly with The Last Mile’s core values. His diverse experience as a justice-involved person and proven track record in philanthropy make him an invaluable asset in expanding the reach and impact of the program. With Ken’s guidance, The Last Mile is confident in its ability to further enhance its curriculum, establish new partnerships, and amplify its voice in advocating for progressive prison education across the nation. “I am honored to be joining The Last Mile’s Board of Directors,” remarked Ken Oliver. “The work that this organization does is truly inspiring, and I am excited to contribute my expertise to such a transformative cause. By providing incarcerated individuals with access to education and technology, we can create a ripple effect that not only empowers them but also strengthens our communities as a whole.” With Ken’s appointment, The Last Mile enters an exciting phase of growth and innovation. The organization remains steadfast in its commitment to leveraging technology and education to catalyze positive change and contribute to a brighter future for those within the criminal justice system. For more information about The Last Mile and its initiatives, please visit:www.thelastmile.org About The Last Mile:The Last Mile, founded in 2010, is the most progressive prison education program in the United States. The organization is dedicated to transforming incarcerated individuals’ lives through technology-based education and entrepreneurship, equipping them with valuable skills and opportunities to thrive after their release. Through its innovative curriculum, The Last Mile aims to break the cycle of recidivism and create a positive impact on society. The Last Mile currently operates in 7 states, and the returned citizen graduates of the program have been employed by leading technology companies including: Zoom, Dropbox, Plaid, Slack, Block (formerly Square), VMWare, Checkr, Pilot, LOB, and SiriusXM. Media Contact:Beverly ParentiCOObeverly@thelastmile.org