The GCHT Appoints Faculty and Staff to Inaugural Steering Committee

The Global Center on Human Trafficking is pleased to announce the formation of a formal Steering Committee to guide its work and growth. “Committee members represent a diverse group of faculty and staff from across the university,” according to Peter Kingstone, Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Montclair State University. “We are so fortunate to have such a talented and dedicated group of professionals.” Many of the 18 members of the inaugural board have been involved since Montclair State University’s effort to develop a response to human trafficking first began in 2018.

According to Ali Boak, Director of the Global Center on Human Trafficking, “This Steering Committee is the backbone of the Global Center on Human Trafficking. The expertise, relationships, and experience of its members is critical to the success of the GCHT as a leader of innovation in the anti-trafficking field.” The mission of the GCHT is to mobilize collective action and cooperation at the local, national, and global levels to develop novel and innovative solutions to the complex problems of human trafficking. “The Steering Committee will work hand in hand with the Global Survivor Collaborative, a group of human trafficking survivors from across the world, ensuring the work of the GCHT is survivor led and informed.”

Below is a list of the recent appointments to the Steering Committee and Committee Chair/Co-Chair assignments.

Global Center on Human Trafficking Steering Committee Members

Chair

• Ali Boak, Director, Global Center on Human Trafficking

Steering Committee Members

• Brianne Baird, Assistant Vice President, Corporate and Foundation Relations
• Bond Benton, Associate Professor, School of Communications and Media
• Chad Brown, Director of Development, Feliciano School of Business
• Emily Douglas, Chairperson, Social Work and Child Advocacy
• Anthony D’Urso, Associate Professor, Psychology
• Mathew Jack, Managing Director, Public Service Practice, Fermata
• AJ Kelton, Director, Center for the Digital Humanities and Social Sciences
• Peter Kingstone, Dean, College of Humanities and Social Science
• Francesca Laguardia, Associate Professor, Justice Studies
• Ashlee Martellaci, Adjunct Professor, Social Welfare and Child Advocacy
• Venezia Michalsen, Associate Professor, Justice Studies
• Meaghan Morin, Web Content Manager, College of Humanities and Social Science
• Daniela Peterka-Benton, Associate Professor, Justice Studies
• Jessica Restaino, Professor, Writing Studies
• Kenneth Sumner, Associate Provost for Academic Personnel, Academic Affairs
• Ely Santoni Tuero, Senior Director of Gift Planning, Development
• Melissa Velez, Program Assistant, Psychology
• Krystal Woolston, Assistant Director, Center for Community Engagement

Committee Chairs/Co-Chairs

Survivor Support and Empowerment: Ashlee Martellaci, Adjunct Professor, Social Welfare and Child Advocacy

Education and Training: Daniela Peterka-Benton, Associate Professor, Justice Studies

Collaboration and Sharing: Jessica Restaino, Professor, Writing Studies

Policy, Advocacy, and Regulation: Emily Douglas, Chairperson, Social Work and Child Advocacy

Fundraising: Brianne Baird, Assistant Vice President, Corporate and Foundation Relations; Chad Brown, Director of Development, Feliciano School of Business; and Ely Santoni Tuero, Senior Director of Gift Planning.

Student Engagement: Melissa Velez, Program Assistant, Psychology