Former president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City, Dave Smith brought YPI to Missouri. During his 25 year tenure, Dave earned numerous awards and distinctions locally and nationally. In 2018, in partnership with his late son, he co-founded The David Group, LLC to provide a range of consulting services to non-profit organizations specializing in youth development. In 2019, he joined the YPI leadership team.

Mary Preston is a seasoned administrative professional with 15 years of experience in non-profit support. Specialized in operations, particularly in project management from conception to successful completion, she has supported the development of a web presence for multi-site organizations and  payment systems, capital fund campaigns, trainings, while marshalling public relations initiatives. Throughout much of her career, she has specialized in improving the lives of young people. She is also the president of the Iowa Lincoln Highway Association.

Jay Paris is the Director of the NAFI Prevention Division. In this capacity, Mr. Paris directs the development and implementation of initiatives in early intervention and prevention across the eight states where NAFI oversees programs. He also helped to create the YPI. During his 21 years at NAFI, he also has served on its Executive Committee, overseeing corporate development and marketing. Throughout his career, he has had extensive management and program experience.

Dr. Jim Isenberg has held numerous leadership positions in private industries as well as within social services organizations. A former Executive Director of the New York Region of NAFI, he co-founded YPI in 2003. He has extensive organizational and program implementation experience in the fields of juvenile justice, youth services, corrections, law enforcement, and conflict resolution.  He has served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of New Haven.  He has written a book, “Police Leadership in a Democracy…A Conversation with America’s Police Chiefs”.

Carlos Mejia is a successful entrepreneur specializing in corporate strategic planning and hiring. Son of an immigrant, he was placed in NAFI programs as a teenager in need of guidance, and acquired the leadership skills that led him to become a highly valued staff member within the NAFI organization. He then pursued a career in the competitive world of Wall Street, yet never lost his passion for community work. He joined the YPI leadership team in 2019.

Deb Yates joined NAFI over 25 years ago and quickly rose to become a director of youth programs in the mid-atlantic region. After taking the reins as NAFI’s Director of operations, she helped secure funding for the first YPI in 2003. Throughout the years, she has continued her involvement within YPI programs in the areas of training, fundraising and program development. In 2013, she was tasked to relaunch NAFI’s Southeast Region and now lives in Lakeland, Florida. She joined the YPI leadership team in 2019.

Dr. Fisher is an Assistant Professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and is the co-director of the prestigious Vera Fellowship for social justice. She has 25 years experience in harm reduction and youth justice. Since 2015, she has been the principal independent researcher for YPI, focusing on the program's impact on youth and police. In 2020, her latest textbook, “The Case for Youth Police Initiative: Interdependent Fates and the Power of Peace,''  was published by Routledge to positive reviews.