Board Member

Paul D. Ashton II, appointed chair of the PCB on October 4, 2016, is the Deputy Director for the Perspectives Partnership, a nonprofit that expands educational and workforce opportunities for justice-impacted individuals and under-resourced communities through technology innovation and strategic partnerships. As Deputy Director, Mr. Ashton directs organizational operations and works to enhance the organization's effectiveness across its programs and initiatives.

Prior to joining Perspectives Partnership, Mr. Ashton spent over a decade at the Justice Policy Institute (JPI), a national nonprofit dedicated to criminal justice reform, serving in various roles including Deputy Executive Director and Interim Executive Director. During his tenure at JPI, he led the organization through critical transitions, directed organizational operations, and authored numerous publications on criminal justice reform topics including policing, juvenile justice, and public safety.

Before his work at JPI, Mr. Ashton conducted research examining intimate partner violence in the LGBTQ community and served as a sexual assault victim advocate at the University of Delaware. Mr. Ashton has been active in the Washington, D.C. community, including previous service with SMYAL, an LGBTQ youth service organization, and Rainbow Response Coalition, a grassroots advocacy organization addressing LGBTQ intimate partner violence.

Mr. Ashton received his bachelor’s degree in Criminology from The Ohio State University, a master’s degree in Criminology from the University of Delaware and completed an Executive Program in Social Impact Strategy from the University of Pennsylvania. He was appointed by Mayor Vince C. Gray, confirmed by the Council in October 2014, and sworn in on December 22, 2014. Mr. Ashton was re-nominated by Mayor Muriel Bowser and appointed on July 14, 2025, for a new term ending January 12, 2028.