Todd D. | Communications Associate

Todd is a formerly incarcerated youth offender who served over 30 years, since the age of 16. At his seventh resentencing, he was finally released—having served 10 years beyond the legal maximum sentence that could have been imposed.

While incarcerated, Todd focused on personal growth and fulfillment through education, self-teaching, and volunteerism. He earned his Associate of Arts as part of College Inside’s first graduating class at Oregon State Correctional Institution. He served as president of the institution’s Toastmasters International club. And he developed a love of creating oil and pastel paintings, which he frequently donated to support various charities.

Early in his incarceration, Todd began teaching himself graphic and web design, which led to an opportunity to help launch and lead a graphic design work program within the prison. He developed over 20 years’ experience designing logos, web sites, and illustrations for small businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies—without ever having had the benefit of internet access.

Todd’s connection with OJRC began in 2018 when, as part of a small group of those incarcerated since their youth, Todd participated in meetings with Oregon legislators and justice officials to help advocate for juvenile justice reform. Those efforts ultimately led to the Oregon legislature’s passage of SB 1008—the most sweeping reforms to juvenile justice in Oregon in a generation. Todd also participated in our initiative to launch a Peer Support Program within the prison.

Todd brings his design skill and lived experiences within the justice system to help give visual expression to our communications.