NCIA mourns the passing of its co-founder and long-time board
chair, Herbert J. Hoelter. Herb was
a nationally recognized expert in federal sentencing mitigation,
respected for reshaping lives and influencing major policy reforms
toward more rehabilitative justice practices. Herb's relentless
dedication to social reform and unwavering belief in the potential
of every individual has left an indelible mark on our community and
the thousands of lives he touched.
BALTIMORE, Md., May 6, 2024
/PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- NCIA announces with profound sorrow the
passing of its co-founder and long-standing board chair,
Herbert J. Hoelter, on May 2, 2024. Herb's relentless dedication to
social reform and unwavering belief in the potential of every
individual has left an indelible mark on our community and the
thousands of lives he touched.
His legacy will guide us for generations to
come, reminding us all of the impact one passionate individual can
have on the world.
Herb co-founded NCIA in 1977 alongside Dr. Jerome G. Miller with a mission to advocate and
develop creative alternatives to incarceration and a more humane
justice system. Over nearly five decades, Herb's pioneering
approach and passion transformed NCIA from a small initiative into
a national beacon of hope and a pillar of support for over 21,000
individuals, often overlooked by other programs. His vision was
rooted in the belief that everyone deserves a second chance to
succeed, a principle that has guided NCIA's growth and the
expansion of its services to include education, vocational
training, and comprehensive support for reintegrating individuals
into society.
"Herb Hoelter was more than a
co-founder; he was a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change,"
shared Carole Argo, CEO at NCIA. "As
his successor and someone who had the privilege of working
alongside him for nearly a decade, I am deeply honored to continue
steering the mission he so passionately championed. His legacy will
guide us for generations to come, reminding us all of the impact
one passionate individual can have on the world."
Herb was a nationally recognized expert in federal sentencing
mitigation, respected for reshaping lives and influencing major
policy reforms toward more rehabilitative justice practices. He
held a Master of Social Work from Marywood
College and a BA from the University of Buffalo. A prominent
figure in legal education, Herb taught at American University and the National Judicial
College, and he lectured extensively across the country on
sentencing advocacy. Representing the National Association of
Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) before the U.S. Sentencing
Commission, he was a strong advocate for alternatives to
incarceration. Herb frequently appeared on many television and
radio shows, including ABC's 20/20, CNN's Crossfire, Good Morning
America, and Nightline, to discuss criminal justice issues. He was
also the co-editor of 'The Real War on Crime' and editor of NCIA's
Criminal Defense Update, contributing significantly to national
discourse on criminal justice reform. Herb's commitment to
innovative approaches in criminal justice and human services earned
him a Distinguished Leadership Award by CEO Magazine.
Herb served as a Trustee of Stevenson University from 2013 to 2023,
retiring last year from the Board after a decade of service. Most
recently, he embarked on a new chapter, launching a foundation
dedicated to expanding NCIA's reach and impact. This move was a
testament to Herb's lifelong commitment to innovation and advocacy.
Even as he stepped down from his role as CEO, his influence
remained, continuing to guide NCIA on its mission to deliver timely
intervention and unconditional support.
As we mourn Herb's loss, we also celebrate his extraordinary
contributions, which have left an enduring impact on countless
lives and the broader landscape of criminal justice reform. In lieu
of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the newly
established NCIA
Foundation, a cause close to Hoelter's heart, aimed at providing
unconditional support to those who need it most.
About NCIA
Headquartered in Baltimore, MD,
NCIA provides integrated, personalized services for people with
disabilities or societal disadvantages. With a mission to empower
people with limited access to opportunities to build fulfilling
lives and stronger communities through unconditional support, NCIA
offers resources and dignity to the underserved. Led by the
principles of promoting independence, financial stability, equity,
and compassion, NCIA is changing lives, one person at a time.
Media Contact
Stephen Cooke, NCIA, 1
443.780.1354, SCooke@ncianet.org, https://www.ncianet.org/
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SOURCE NCIA