Tuesday, September 01, 2009

 

Our Staff : Tennesseans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty


Stacy Rector, Executive Director

Stacy Rector is a native of Dyersburg, Tennessee, a graduate of Rhodes College and Columbia Theological Seminary, and an ordained Presbyterian minister. She served as the Associate Pastor of Second Presbyterian Church in Nashville for nine years. During her time as a pastor, Stacy served on the board of TCASK, the Restorative Justice Coalition of Tennessee, and was a founding member of the board for the Presbyterian Network to End Homelessness. In October 2006, Stacy became Executive Director of the Tennessee Coalition to Abolish State Killing (TCASK), an organization whose mission is to honor life by abolishing the death penalty. She also currently serves as the chairperson of the Peacemaking committee for the Presbytery of Middle Tennessee.

You can contact Stacy at stacy@tcask.org.

Isaac Kimes, Field Organizer

Isaac Kimes, TCASK Field OrganizerIsaac is a native of Seattle, WA but moved around often as the son of an Air Force Officer. Isaac graduated from Arizona State University (Go Devils!) with a B.S. in Justice Studies. Isaac joined the TCASK staff in June, 2007. His job: organize TCASK supporters across the state through chapters and educational events like the annual Student Conference on the Death Penalty.

Isaac's career in organizing began with the Arizona Public Interest Reserach Group in the summer of 2006 where he did door-to-door canvassing on issues like water conservation, gay and lesbian civil rights, and protecting our wilderness lands. In the fall of 2006, Isaac coordinated a nonpartisan voter registration and turn out effort for young voters at Arizona State University. The campaign registered over 1500 voters and turned out 5000.

You can reach Isaac at isaac@tcask.org.

Denver Schimming, Organizer

Denver Schimming, TCASK OrganizerDenver joined the TCASK staff in August, 2008. His job: reach out to members of law enforcement and their respective agencies. He will also be working to expand TCASK's "Sharing our Stories: Murder Victims' Families Speak" program which pairs murder victim's family member with TCASK volunteers to provide presentations on the death penalty from victims' perspectives.

Denver was born and raised in Indiana but has called Nashville his home since 1985. For the last 10 years Denver has been involved in many social justice issues in Nashville, especially in the area of prison reform. Denver serves on the Board of Directors of Dismas House, a transitional halfway house that works with and supports men coming out of prison. Denver has spoken at colleges and universities on the subjects of Felony Disenfranchisement and Alternative Justice. Denver also helps teach the Inside/Out class at the Charles Bass Correctional Facility.

Denver says, "I am so excited and humbled that my life's journey has led me to TCASK and the opportunity to work with such talented, devoted and passionate people."

You can reach Denver at denver@tcask.org.

Katie Mohr, Intern

Katie Mohr, TCASK InternKatie Mohr joined the TCASK state office in September 2008. She has committed herself to a year of service with the Young Adult Volunteer Program sponsored by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Katie says, "Social justice has always been a part of my life and I am excited to see, learn, and help make change happen in TN one day at a time."

You can reach Katie at katie@tcask.org.