Danny Ludeman, president and CEO of Concordance Academy of Leadership, has announced the election of five new members to the Academy’s Board of Directors:
- Dan Isom, former chief of police for the St. Louis Police Department;
- Ken Kranzberg, chairman of TricorBraun;
- Kitty Ratcliffe, president of the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission;
- Scott Carter, Senior Vice President of Spire; and
- Benjamin (Tad) Edwards IV, Chairman, President and CEO of Benjamin F. Edwards & Co.
Concordance Academy provides the formerly incarcerated with an integrated set of holistic, evidence-driven services to help participants return to the community and avoid returning to prison.
The newcomers join a board with a strong representation from St. Louis corporate, civic and faith-based organizations, as well as entrepreneurs, who are committed to serving the justice-involved population.
Isom has firsthand experience of the devastating impact of reincarceration from his 17 years with the St. Louis Police Department, including five years as chief of police.
Kranzberg, a noted St. Louis philanthropist, serves as chairman of TricorBraun, one of St. Louis’ largest privately held companies.
Ratcliffe heads the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission, which oversees a $4 billion annual tourism industry.
Carter moved here from Atlanta earlier this year to join Spire as senior vice president of commercial operations.
Edwards started his brokerage in 2009, and it now has offices in 26 states and nearly $20 billion in assets.
Every one of our new board members is a strong advocate for building stronger, healthier communities,” Ludeman said. “They each will provide helpful insight and guidance as we assist individuals returning from prison and aim to significantly lower reincarceration rates in the St. Louis area.”
Reincarceration has a devastating impact, not only on incarcerated individuals, but their families, communities and our society as a whole. The ripple effect includes increased unemployment, homelessness, mental health and substance use disorders, need for child support services, crime and more.
ABOUT CONCORDANCE ACADEMY
Concordance Academy is a St. Louis-based nonprofit that offers the country’s first set of integrated, holistic and evidence-driven services to individuals returning to society from prison. Led by President and CEO Danny Ludeman, the organization assists participants in three primary areas: behavioral health and wellness; education and employment; and community and life skills. The Academy starts working with individuals six months prior to release and continues assisting for up to a year after their return to the community. The organization is committed to restoring individuals, rebuilding families, transforming communities and advancing the field of re-entry services. For more info, visit www.concordanceacademy.com.