Finance

Cristian is a native of Queens, New York. A bilingual Afro-Pana-American Latino, he previously worked as a receptionist at medical, dental, and law offices. In his free time, he likes to read and spend time at the Chess Forum.

Jamillah brings over two decades of leadership in operations, project management, and executive administration to her role as director of operations at the Innocence Project.
Most recently, she spent seven years at a college and career access non-profit, where she was instrumental in developing and streamlining organization-wide policies and processes. These systems promoted efficient daily operations and ensured that stakeholder efforts aligned with the organization’s core values and goals. Additionally, she championed initiatives focused on staff well-being and their sense of belonging within the organization.

Prior to that, Jamillah co-founded and managed a full-service event management and production company that primarily served nonprofits dedicated to social justice. Her work included collaborations with organizations focused on criminal legal reform and housing for vulnerable populations.

She has also provided extensive executive administrative support to numerous nonprofit organizations, and worked with the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to execute large scale projects funded by the World Bank and the European Development Fund. These projects created major improvements in the country’s health, education, and rural development sectors.

Jamillah holds a B.A. in Sociology from Manhattanville University and an M.Sc. in Project Management from Lancaster University in the U.K.

Jeffrey Johnson joined the IP in September 2007 as the office manager. Prior to that, he worked for corporate companies in accounting, banking, and asset management. Born and raised in New York City, Jeff enjoys basketball, fishing, and traveling. He looks forward to assisting those who are part of this extraordinary staff in helping to exonerate innocent people.

Joseph Thompson joined the Innocence Project in 2018 as the chief financial officer. Before joining the Innocence Project, he worked at the Legal Action Center — a law and policy non-profit organization — for over six years. Mr. Thompson’s career path has led him through the nonprofit arena including a stint at the Fortune Society. Mr. Thompson acquired a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from his native Ghana’s University of Cape Coast. He holds a Master of Business Administration in accounting from St. John’s University. He also holds a CPA license.

Michael Coleman, Jr. joined the Innocence Project in December 2010. As a finance associate, he supports the finance department in processing cash receipts and performing monthly reconciliation of accounts. Prior to joining the Innocence Project, he interned for the National Arts Club and Harlem United, providing similar services. Michael graduated from Lehman College, with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, and passed the CPA exam.

Patrick joined the Innocence Project in September 2016 as a temporary staff member and started working full-time in November 2016. Prior to that, he worked for various companies in the medical, education, banking and hotel industries within their accounting department. He is a certified accounting technician and level-two chartered accountant.