Director, Community Violence Leadership Academy
University of Chicago Crime Lab
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Chico Tillmon, PhD, is Executive Director of the CVI Leadership Academy, the first national training program designed to build the leadership capacity of those working to reduce violence in vulnerable communities. He previously served as Executive Director of the READI National Center for Safer Communities and led youth safety and violence prevention programs at the YMCA of Metro Chicago. A national expert in violence prevention, reentry, and nonprofit leadership, Dr. Tillmon serves on the Black and Brown Peace Consortium leadership team and has worked for over a decade with youth, direct service providers, and returning citizens. He was honored by President Biden in 2021 and is a recipient of numerous awards, including the 2025 Erica Ford Peacemaker Award, the 2022 UIC Alumnus of the Year, and the 2018 Congressional Veterans Braintrust Award.
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM MT