Michael Jalazo is the CEO/Executive Director of PERC, People Empowering and Restoring Communities (also known as the Pinellas Ex-Offender Re-Entry Coalition). PERC works toward successful economic employment for underserved populations, including ex-offenders and their families. Through efforts in reentering populations, PERC has worked with the last three Governor’s administrations in Florida, first with Governor Jeb Bush and the Reentry Task Force for Florida, then with Governor Charlie Crist and the Reentry Advisory Council authorized with the Department of Corrections, and with Governor Rick Scott and the Criminal Justice Committee work under the Center for Smart Justice. The result of this work with many others led in part to the five-year strategic plan on reentry for Florida, and the same comprehensively for Pinellas County.
Mr. Jalazo has presented at multiple events nationally (American Jail Association, American Correctional Association, and American Association of Criminal Justice Professionals (AACJP) on the development of in jail and post release programming, cost benefit analysis of programming and evaluation of criminal justice work and has published work with these organizations accordingly. Additionally, in conjunction with The Carey Group, he has authored two guides – Problem Solving and Interpersonal Skills -used as an evidence based policy and practice manuals for probation and parole officers nationally.
In addition to his work with PERC, Mr. Jalazo is an adjunct professor with St. Petersburg College, and has coached high school football in the Tampa Bay Area for more than then 20 years. Mr. Jalazo holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Florida and an MA from the University of South Florida.
