Louis L. Reed, LADC, AADC

Louis L. Reed is one of the country’s leading figures in the field of social impact. Reed has years of experience and expertise in government, criminal justice reform, policy advocacy, and public health. Having spent nearly 14 years in federal prison and several years on supervision, his leadership led to the passage of more than 30 state and federal-level bills, including the historic First Step Act in 2018. Reed's public policy outcomes have created a pathway to freedom for more than 650,000 people affected by the criminal justice system.

Previously, Reed served as Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships for Jay Z’s REFORM Alliance, and as Director of Membership and Organizing for Dream Corps Justice (formerly #cut50), co-founded by Van Jones and Jessica Jackson. He also conceptualized and implemented Connecticut's first government-based reentry office in the City of Bridgeport, replicating the model in several major cities and receiving a US Conference of Mayors award for best practices. 

Reed is the founder and Principal Creator of Decoded: Story Lab, a documentary film production company. He is also an award-winning author, a commentator on the Law & Crime Network, a licensed and board-certified addictions practitioner, and consults in criminal justice reform. He is featured in Amazon's 'First Step' documentary and is a consulting producer of Hulu’s 'UnPrisoned' series, starring Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo.

An award-winning author, 2x TEDx speaker on PTSD (Prison Traumatic Stress Disorder), CCJ Trustee, and board-certified and licensed addictions practitioner, he is LA Weekly's 2023 Top 5 People to Follow. He has won various other recognitions and awards.