Jim Burns has been a volunteer for HPI for 15 years, beginning as an Outside Brother, facilitator, and later joining the Board of Directors. In his present role he is focused on sustainability, scalability, and governance of the organization.

His work experience includes 32 years at the Ohio Department of Transportation, retiring as the Deputy CIO. He then served for 8 years as a Business Relationship Manager under contract to IBM. He is also a certified Early Response Team Trainer for the United Methodist Committee on Relief and has responded more the fifty times in the aftermath of floods, tornados, and hurricanes throughout the United States. Jim states “I have always believed that how a society treats it’s incarcerated reflects its values and humanity. Being engaged in the Horizon Prison Initiative has allowed me to put my words into action.”

Jim is married to Mary Casey, Board Secretary, has three adult children living around the United States and enjoys visiting them and seeing the sights on the way.

Mary is married to HPI Board Chair, Jim Burns, and together have three grown children and one adorable granddaughter. She returned for her masters degree in social work at 50 and had the pleasure of graduating the same year as her daughter, Jodi.

Mary's work experience included 10 years in early childhood education; 15 years of supportive services in the community with families and older adults with several years of direct services and counseling; and 12 years as a medical social worker.

Her personal experience with an incarcerated family member stirred her interest in programming “inside the walls” such as Horizon. Once Jim became an Outside Brother, he and Mary both became increasingly involved in supporting Horizon. She has served as Secretary of the Board for nearly 5 years.

Mary states, "I have had the unique opportunity of being in the presence of those incarcerated … heard their powerful stories … and am certain and grateful for the Horizon Prison Initiative programming and the impact it has on their lives."

Nia is a May 2022 graduate from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and will join the Horizon Prison Initiative board effective June 2022.

Nia was introduced to HPI last fall when she was selected to serve as a fellow from the OSU Moritz College of Law. In May, Nia completed one year with us as a Fellow from the OSU Moritz College of Law. 

During her time with HPI, she was involved in our strategic planning, fund development, and capacity-building activities.

Nia played a leadership role in addressing issues of civil rights and criminal justice in various organizations. These included many pro bono hours coordinating the: From Cell to Home Project which serves persons who are accused and incarcerated be a great asset to the Horizon Board and programs.

In addition, she has served as a research assistant to the Drug Enforcement and Policy Center in Columbus. She has a wide range of interests and skills in advanced legal research, grant-writing, and civic engagement. Her range of experiences, education, passion for those who are incarcerated, and legal training will be a key asset to HPI.

We are overjoyed in welcoming Nia Kaudo to our Board of Directors and look forward to her assistance in advancing the mission and vision of HPI as we move into the future.

 I have a deep passion for second chance opportunity citizens, I believe people can and do change with the proper networking. 

I have faith in the program of Horizon Initiative having personally witnessed the testimonies of inmates processing through the program. I desire to be part of the front line to help the inmates and the reinstated men and women back into society. I will bring to the board the commitment to continue the legacy of 25 years of service to the State of Ohio. I will never lose the desire to be a volunteer within the organization. Saying I want to serve on the greater behalf of society.

Description goes hereTiffany raised her three children in Grandview Heights, Ohio, while also pursuing a variety of entrepreneurial endeavors. In 2018, a friend recommended her for a position at a local Nationwide Insurance office, where she quickly found her calling in helping others through insurance services. This opportunity allowed Tiffany to gain substantial experience at Nationwide Insurance, and later at Allstate Insurance, where she worked as a sales associate responsible for overseeing office operations and supporting other agents.

Tiffany established The Heights Insurance Agency, LLC in November 2019. Although the agency’s opening was delayed by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tiffany’s strong focus on creating lasting relationships with clients inspired her to relaunch the business when circumstances allowed.

Tiffany is an active member of the National Association of Women Business Owners, where she serves as Vice President of the Public Policy and Advocacy Committee and sits on the Executive Board. Through these roles, she advocates for business owners by engaging in discussions with state and federal legislators. Additionally, Tiffany extends her commitment to advocacy as an Executive Board member of the Horizons Prison Initiative, championing opportunities and second chances for those seeking a new beginning.