GVI SPEAKERS
The two presenters have years of experience on the subject matter, according to the release.
Debra Higens — Higens is a senior advisor at the National Network for Safe Communities. Previously, Higens worked in public safety which included 15 years as a deputy sheriff with the Cook County (Ill.) Sheriff’s Office. She finished this career as an investigator. For 11 years, Higens was the chief of operations for an adult transitional center, where she worked closely with the Illinois Department of Corrections. She also worked for the Chicago Violence Reduction Strategy and was the Project Safe Neighborhoods coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago.
Higens is certified by the Department of Homeland Security as an incident commander, by the Illinois Department of Corrections as a certified investigator, and has participated in several major national conferences, including the Franklin Covey workshop.
A certified foster parent with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, she also has five children.
Higens obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Justice from DePaul University in June 2018 and received an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Moraine Valley Community College.
Kevin Johnson — Johnson is a senior advisor at the NNSC. Over the last 20 years of leadership and collaboration in mission-driven communities, Johnson’s work has focused on youth development and leadership, social justice, community development and empowerment, health and wellness, and partnership and network building, according to the release.
He brings his knowledge and experience to support and guide the Legitimacy and Reconciliation teams work and is responsible for advancing the NNSC programmatic goals by providing strategic advising to a portfolio of partner jurisdictions, guiding them in implementing core elements and working with them to innovate in pursuit of effective, rapid violence reduction and public safety outcomes, according to the release.
Prior to joining the NNSC, Johnson was a national organizer at the Black AIDS Institute. Also, Johnson previously served in nonprofits and as an organizer in and coordinator of several grassroots coalitions, steering committee and advisory boards.
His work has been recognized with distinctions such as the Rising Star from the MA Association of Community Development Corporations and the National Award for Excellence Community Building and Organizing from NeighborWorks America.
Johnson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services from Springfield College (Boston campus) and a certificate in Non-profit Management and Leadership from Boston University.
Details: Kevin Crumpton Sr., director of the Pine Bluff Group Violence Intervention, (870) 510-0386 or follow Pine Bluff GVI on Facebook.