Information Technology

Currently serving as the IT coordinator at the Innocence Project, Gabriel brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role.

Prior to joining the IT department in 2024, Gabriel worked in the intake department, first as a case analyst (2018-2023) and then as a senior case analyst (2023-2024). During his time in intake, Gabriel evaluated hundreds of cases at varying stages, hired and trained new case analysts and interns, and led seminars on the intake department and its evaluation process. Gabriel contributed to the intake evaluation and presentation memo of Leonard Mack, whose case was accepted by the post-conviction litigation department. This case resulted in the longest exoneration based on new DNA evidence in the Innocence Project’s history.

Before coming to IP, Gabriel worked as an intake paralegal at Brooklyn Legal Services in the Tenant Rights Coalition, where he advocated for New Yorkers facing evictions and unfair housing practices.

Driven by curiosity and a desire to expand his skill set, Gabriel developed a keen interest in cybersecurity and ethical hacking. He has earned various certifications, including the CompTIA Network+ and Security+. With a solid foundation in both investigative work and computer systems, Gabriel transitioned to the Innocence Project’s IT department. In his current role, he brings his prior experience in the intake department to bear on the development and management of FileVine, the organization’s new case management system. He is also learning the ins and outs of traditional IT support and help desk-related tasks.

Gabriel holds a B.A. in psychology from Hunter College and an M.A. in forensic psychology from John Jay School of Criminal Justice.

With over 27 years of dedicated experience in the realm of information technology, Joe Donato brings a wealth of expertise to his role as director of IT at the Innocence Project. Having spent the last 7 years as director of technology at the Osborne Association, a prominent New York-based criminal legal agency, Joe has honed his skills and deepened his understanding of the intersection between technology and justice. Prior to Osborne, Joe worked as a full stack developer and project manager for organizations ranging from startup dot coms to Fortune 100 companies.

Over the years, Joe held a myriad of certifications in IT service management, cybersecurity, software/system engineering and various other platforms, reflecting his commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements. His comprehensive knowledge and strategic approach to IT infrastructure have been instrumental in enhancing operational efficiency and fostering innovation within the organizations he has served.

As the director of IT at the Innocence Project, Joe remains steadfast in his dedication to leveraging technology as a force for positive change, supporting the organization’s mission to exonerate the wrongly convicted and reform the criminal legal system.

Khaled Zayed joined the Innocence Project as its IT manager in November 2023.

Khaled has more than 17 years of experience across technology and management. He has led teams; managed IT projects; collaborated with coworkers, vendors, and other departments; and made key decisions to improve technology and align IT with organizational goals. Khaled has taught IT-related courses, including information security, Telecommunications and Networks, CompTIA A+, ITIL, IT management, and data privacy.

Khaled holds a college degree in computer and networking technology, two master’s degrees (MBA and Master’s in Cybersecurity & Information Assurance), and a PhD in international business management (emphasis on Cybersecurity Management). He has earned various IT certifications, including ITIL v3, ITILv4 (IT Infrastructure Library), AWS (Cloud), CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, CompTIA CYSA+, CompTIA PenTest+, and SecurityX (an advanced, expert-level cybersecurity certification). Khaled also authored a book titled “Information Security Awareness: Managing Web & Mobile Security” and published two important papers on information security and blockchain technology.

Beyond his professional life, Khaled enjoys coaching youth soccer, leading a community development committee at a large mosque, and occasionally hiking, biking, and walking along the Raritan River Trail in central New Jersey. Khaled also volunteers his spare time to help a couple of nonprofit organizations and refugees in Central Jersey.