As Executive Director, Jessica Mertz leads the strategic vision of the organization and partners with the board of directors and staff to advance Clery Center’s mission of improving campus safety. Jessica works with legislatures, ally organizations, and campus leaders across the country to improve policies and raise awareness about key safety issues college students face. Prior to Clery Center, Jessica spent ten years at the University of Pennsylvania where she was the founding Director of Penn Violence Prevention. She also served in various roles as a prevention educator and victim advocate with a focus on sexual assault and domestic violence. Jessica received a certificate in Nonprofit Administration from the Fels Institute of Government, received her M.A. in Women’s and Gender Studies from Rutgers, and her B.A. from St. Joseph’s University.