FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 10, 2025
Contact: Elena Kruse
[email protected]
MILWAUKEE, Wis. – This week, Tom Reed retired from the Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Office (SPD) after more than 40 years of service. Tom began his career with SPD in 1982, and he has served as the Regional Attorney Manager of the Milwaukee Trial Office since 2000. “Tom has been an exceptional leader, advocate, and public defender. We thank him for his years of service to the people of Wisconsin,” said State Public Defender Jennifer Bias.
Throughout his career, Tom was a dedicated attorney and committed leader of Milwaukee-area justice reform. Tom served on the Milwaukee Community Justice Council, the Milwaukee Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Milwaukee Mental Health Task Force, and the Milwaukee Bar Association’s Board of Directors. Tom also taught at Milwaukee Area Technical College and served as an adjunct professor of law at Marquette Law School. “Tom has been an instrumental figure within the Community Justice Council, consistently advocating for justice, equity, and community engagement. His dedication and expertise have significantly shaped our initiatives, fostering a collaborative atmosphere encouraging dialogue and innovation,” said Milwaukee Chief Judge Carl Ashley.
Finally, Tom was also a leader on the national stage. Through his work with the National Institute of Corrections and the MacArthur Foundation, Tom was a frequent speaker at conferences around the country on the topic of criminal justice reform. Tom also coauthored, alongside District Attorney John Chisholm, a paper published by the Harvard Kennedy School speaking to successful criminal justice reform efforts in Milwaukee. “Under Tom’s leadership the Milwaukee Public Defender’s Office always put their clients’ needs first while also seeking to improve the quality of justice for the community as a whole. Tom’s vision and advocacy for thoughtful, public health informed change and his trusted leadership on the Community Justice Council has transformed the front end of the criminal justice system and made it a national model. It has been an honor for me to work with him the last 18 years,” said former Milwaukee County District Attorney, John Chisholm.