As the Director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives, Kimberly Rhoten informs the Office of Returning Citizens’ strategic planning process, identifies key policy interventions at the City and State levels to support returning citizens, and designs innovative programs to support improved reentry services in Boston. 

Mx. Rhoten is an attorney, academic and advocate with over a decade of experience working in social justice and public policy. They have had the great fortune to work in community on a wide array of diverse social policy issues, including: affordable housing, tenants rights, LGBTQ rights, and diverse family protections. Mx. Rhoten previously served in the Hall as a Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics Summer Fellow (2021) and a Rappaport Fellow (2022) and is thrilled to be back again! In their free time, Mx. Rhoten currently volunteers as pro-bono counsel for CORI expungement and sealing cases at the Pro-Bono Network. 

Rhoten identifies as queer and is committed to and passionate about creating diverse and inclusive spaces. They received their B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley and their Juris Doctorate from The University of Chicago Law School. Currently, Mx. Rhoten is completing their PhD in Sociology at Boston University. 

Though they grew up on the West Coast, Mx. Rhoten is now a proud resident of the North End with their fiance and two adorable cats. They can be found on weekends writing horror short stories, snagging deals at Haymarket, and exploring Boston!