American Bail Coalition Announces Executive Director, Policy Director Appointments

Annapolis, Md. (June 19, 2015) – The American Bail Coalition (ABC), a national organization dedicated to public safety through public-private partnerships, today announced the appointment of Michael F. Canning as executive director and Jeffrey J. Clayton as policy director.

Canning will fill the vacancy created by the planned transition of Nicholas Wachinski who has accepted a position in the private sector.
“The expertise and quality of achievement Mike and Jeff bring to their senior assignments with ABC will continue our organization’s tradition of innovative leadership,” said William B. Carmichael, chairman of the ABC board.

Both lawyers, Canning and Clayton have 25 and 15 years respectively of experience in government relations and public policy work. Their expertise will provide important perspectives as ABC works to develop legislation that ensures public safety and the timely and responsible release of criminal defendants.

Canning is a Certified Association Executive (CAE), accredited by the American Society of Association Executives. He has led national advocacy organizations in the credit card, credit union, and pet industries.

“With more than 16,000 small businesses and 40,000 professionals represented by ABC, I look forward to serving this dynamic organization and continuing the innovative solutions and partnerships that ABC has championed,” said Canning.

Clayton served as general counsel for the Professional Bail Agents of Colorado and held several legislative and legal advisory roles in state government including the Colorado State Courts and Probation Department.

“I look forward to continuing ABC’s mission of partnership as we pursue policies that recognize and build upon best practices and responsible cost management,” said Clayton.

Commenting on Wachinski’s two years in the role of executive director, Carmichael said, “Under Nick’s direction, the American Bail Coalition led many innovative solutions in support of public safety. The difference Nick made in ABC will be a longstanding benchmark across the industry.”

The American Bail Coalition, founded in 2001, provides a vital link in the criminal justice system and is dedicated to public safety by developing best practices to be adopted by state governments that maximize the pretrial release of criminal defendants and minimize days between arrest and pretrial release of criminal defendants.

Contact: Madelyn Lawson, 202-420-9863