The Board of Directors are delighted to welcome Wyatt Lawson as the new Executive Director of the Community Justice and Mediation Center. Wyatt joins CJAM with a strong background in higher education and nonprofit leadership. Throughout his career, Wyatt has been dedicated to serving the community and supporting underserved populations. He has worked as an academic advisor for at-risk students at Indiana State University and as the Director of Education at the Swope Art Museum. During his time at the Swope, Wyatt spearheaded impactful projects, including the development of an accessibility-focused app for individuals with low vision.
Wyatt holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, with a thesis centered on cognitive dissonance and social justice education. His research explored strategies for helping students navigate challenging and sometimes uncomfortable ideas in ways that foster understanding and growth. Wyatt’s passion for inclusion and education is at the heart of everything he does, and he is thrilled to bring this passion to his work at CJAM.
Since joining CJAM, Wyatt has immersed himself in learning about the organization. He has had the opportunity to meet many staff members, volunteers, and board members, observe several programs, and review core organizational documents. Reflecting on his initial experiences, Wyatt shares: “Every time I pick up a new document or meet with someone at CJAM, I think to myself, Wow, this organization is truly an agent of change in the community. It excites me to continue learning and thinking of ways I can build on where we are to help us reach where we want to go.”
Outside of work, Wyatt enjoys creating art, particularly watercolor painting and experimenting with alternative photography techniques. He is also a proud dog parent to two beloved pups, Bean and Fig. Wyatt is excited to officially become a Monroe County home owner in January, especially to explore the abundant and delicious dining options the area has to offer.
Wyatt’s passion for fostering inclusion, his innovative approach to education, and his dedication to serving underserved communities make him an ideal leader to guide CJAM into its next chapter. We are confident that his vision and talents will inspire growth and strengthen our mission to promote a civil and just community through mediation, education, and restorative justice. Please reach out to Wyatt at wyatt@cjamcenter.org