Director to work with government officials to identify pressing public challenges and implement policy solutions
Albany, NY — The Rockefeller Institute of Government announces Joseph Popcun as director of policy and practice. In this role, he will provide support for translating policymakers’ ideas into plans and policies, expand the Institute’s criminal justice and security research capacity, and contribute to professional development programs. He will also serve as the executive director of the Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium and, in partnership with the New York State Department of State, the executive director of the New York State Council on Community Re-Entry and Reintegration.
Popcun previously served as the deputy commissioner for policy and planning at the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. In this role, he oversaw the agency’s strategic and policy initiatives as well as administration and finance areas. Prior to being deputy commissioner, he served as assistant secretary for public safety and policy advisor for public safety in the Office of New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo where he provided policy expertise and operations assistance for the state’s criminal justice, law enforcement, and homeland security agencies. Before state service, Popcun was a research analyst and academic fellow with the federal government as well as a research assistant with a nationally-recognized security research institute.
“Joe Popcun effectively combines first-rate research and analytical skills with real-world knowledge of what it takes to make policy work,” said Rockefeller Institute Interim Executive Director Patricia Strach. “With his leadership, we look forward to expanding the Institute’s capacity to support the development and implementation of evidence-based policy solutions to pressing public problems.”
As a member of the Institute’s executive staff, Popcun will lead the alignment of the Institute’s research, technical, and professional resources as well as lead partnerships throughout the State University of New York (SUNY) system to help government officials better understand public problems, consider solutions, and implement policies.
About the Rockefeller Institute of Government
The Rockefeller Institute of Government is the public policy research arm of the State University of New York. The Institute conducts cutting-edge research and analysis to inform lasting solutions to the problems facing New York State and the nation.
rockinst.org | @RockefellerInst
About the Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium
The Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium, coordinated by the Rockefeller Institute of Government, is a program of States for Gun Safety, a coalition of six states and Puerto Rico that aims to disrupt the cycle of firearm-involved mass shootings, homicides, suicides, and accidents.
The Consortium brings together 50 researchers (and growing) from across the States for Gun Safety coalition, as well as additional midwestern states, in an effort to reduce violence involving firearms through interdisciplinary research and analysis. Learn more at rockinst.org/gun-violence.