Vera Institute of Justice

As chief operating and financial officer for the Vera Institute of Justice, Genia A. Wright was responsible for ensuring Vera has the proper operational controls, administrative and reporting procedures, information technology infrastructure, and people systems in place to ensure financial strength and operating efficiency.

Prior to joining Vera in July 2016, Genia served as chief operating officer at Legal Services NYC, the largest civil legal services provider in the country. She planned organization-wide strategy for the $70M organization, in partnership with other members of the executive team. She also led multiple departments including Finance, Compliance, Grants and Contracts Administration, Human Resources and Diversity, Facilities and Events, and Information Technology Services. Genia designed and implemented many successful initiatives that increased transparency; strengthened governance, compliance and business continuity; enhanced financial management and reporting; and expanded the organization’s emphasis on diversity and inclusion.

Genia also led operations for two separate research centers of the Urban Institute, a leading economic and social policy research organization. In both capacities, Genia managed teams responsible for financial monitoring, compliance, procurement, grants and contracts administration, business continuity planning, and facilities management. She served in similar capacities with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding.

In the area of corporate philanthropy, Genia has provided operational strategy and support for the Community Relations departments of Freddie Mac and Target Corporation. She was engaged by Target to enhance the governance of their $208M philanthropic program. The successful project resulted in enhanced grantee vetting and due diligence strategies, revised policies and procedures, and a series of training events across the enterprise.

A native of Pittsburgh, PA, Genia holds a BA in public relations/business administration from Howard University; a masters of public administration/nonprofit management from the George Washington University; two masters certificates in contracts administration from Villanova University; and the Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification from the Project Management Institute.

Genia has an active volunteer life and spends her free time enjoying cultural events.