Dennis R. Hawkins
Executive Director
justice@moderncourts.org
Dennis joined Modern Courts in November 2005. Previously, he was the Regional Anti-Corruption Advisor in Eurasia for the American Bar Association's Central European and Eurasian Law Initiative (CEELI), a public service project that advances the rule of law by supporting the legal reform process. Until 2001, Mr. Hawkins served as the Deputy District Attorney in charge of the Rackets Division in Kings County, New York. Prior to that he was a Special Assistant Attorney General in the Office of the Special Prosecutor for the New York City Criminal Justice System, Counsel to The Association of the Bar of the City of New York, Counsel to the New York City Fire Department and Counsel to the New York State Assembly Education Committee. 

Denise Kronstadt
Deputy Executive Director and Director of Advocacy
advocacy@moderncourts.org
Denise joined Modern Courts in January 2006. Ms. Kronstadt has legal and political experience advocating for economic and democratic reforms. As a Legislator in Rockland County, she chaired the Multi-Services Committee and focused attention on issues of housing, the living wage and open government. She also chaired the Special Citizens Committee on HAVA (Help America Vote Act). Formerly a Senior Attorney with the Legal Aid Society of Rockland County, Homelessness Prevention Program, she represented tenants before town and village justice courts. Ms. Kronstadt has taught courses on women and politics and American political parties. She received her J.D. in 1986 from Brooklyn Law School and began her career as a staff attorney with District Council 37. Before going to law school, she was a paralegal with the New York State Attorney General's office. As Director of Advocacy, she is responsible for advancing the Fund's legislative agenda.

Ivan Helfand
Director of Development
events@moderncourts.org
Ivan joined Modern Courts in October 2006. He has over 20 years experience in nonprofit management and fundraising, including leadership roles with the Development Corporation for Israel , Canine Companions for Independence and the Jazz Foundation of America. Ivan received a BA from the University of Wisconsin and an MBA from New York University. As Director of Development, he is responsible for all fundraising activities at Modern Courts, including special events, direct mail, grant writing, individual solicitations and planned giving.

Connie Lynch
Director of Court Monitoring
lynch@moderncourts.org
Connie joined Modern Courts in September 2009. Connie worked for JP Morgan Chase Bank for 25 years. She has extensive experience in project management including merger related programs. Connie also has experience as a TQM Officer (Total Quality Management), a team oriented problem solving methodology. She achieved instructor certification for team member, team leader and facilitator curriculums. Connie received her B.A. from Marymount Manhattan College. As Director of Court Monitoring, Connie coordinates court monitoring projects including project development, outreach, securing, training and managing volunteers, collecting and reporting on monitors' observations and providing the media and state and local officials with reports.