The Board of Fair Trials has accepted the resignation of Norman L. Reimer as our Global CEO, which he submitted this summer, effective as of 31 December. The Board appreciates and respects his decision to return to his focus on domestic criminal legal reform in the United States.
Norman has led Fair Trials during his tenure with his hallmark energy, creativity, and dedication. During this period, he has guided efforts that clarified Fair Trials’ vision, mission, and advocacy goals moving forwards. In addition, he launched a valuable effort to bring the diverse voices of impacted people into Fair Trials’ work and began laying the groundwork for a capital campaign that will enable Fair Trials to continue to flourish and evolve. Norman also oversaw a comprehensive governance review of all Fair Trials entities, the publication of Fair Trials’ interactive annual report and supported efforts to secure funding to support much needed research on the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the criminal legal system. Additionally, Norman expanded Fair Trials’ commitment to safeguard the right to a trial and confront coercive plea practices.
Norm commented: “It has been a tremendous honor to lead this remarkable charity. Fair Trials stands alone as an international criminal justice watchdog, bringing a much-needed global perspective to the criminal justice reform movement. It was rewarding to share my experience as a life-long champion of fairness in the criminal justice field and to lay the foundation for the next generation of great campaigns and leaders at Fair Trials. I wish it every success in its vital mission.”
The Board is grateful for Norman Reimer’s stewardship, and we wish him well as he continues his career-long efforts to promote fairness and justice in criminal legal systems. We look forward to building on his work as the charity transitions leadership and begins the New Year.
In that regard, we are excited to announce that, beginning on January 1 and until a new CEO is identified and begins service, Fair Trials’ day-to-day operations will be led by an interim executive committee of three current members of the Fair Trials’ Senior Management Team — Hardeep Singh (as interim Chief Operating Officer), Rebecca Shaeffer (as interim Global Legal Director), and Ivan Dominguez (as Counsel for Special Projects).
