Nikkel, Ron
President Emeritus, Prison Fellowship International
rnikkel@pfi.org
+1 703 627-9093 (office)
+1 902-285-0268 (cell)
Website: www.restorativejustice.org
Facebook: rnikkel
Twitter: @rnikkel
Link to CV
Ron Nikkel is recognized as a leading Restorative Justice advocate. He has served in the leadership of NGOs focusing on crime and the treatment of offenders for more than 40 years and for over 30 years he has traveled extensively in mobilizing church and community groups in responding to justice and prison issues, the treatment of offenders, and promoting Restorative Justice. He has consulted with government, corrections, church and community leaders worldwide to mobilize public engagement in the criminal justice process, humane treatment of offenders, victim-offender reconciliation, and re-integration of ex-prisoners. Nikkel has met with officials and prisoners in over 1200 prisons in 130+ countries, becoming an expert on prison conditions and the "ecology" of imprisonment. Nikkel is deeply committed to peace and reconciliation and has worked extensively within the Christian community to promote understanding, goodwill, and cooperation. He led the development of community and faith-based voluntary organizations responding to issues of juvenile justice and delinquency in Canada and USA (1973-1982). In 1982 he assumed executive leadership for the global development of Prison Fellowship International (PFI), founded by Chuck Colson following his imprisonment related to the USA Watergate political scandal. Beginning with affiliates in 5 countries Nikkel expanded the association to 127 countries. Following his resignation as President/CEO of PFI Ron was named President Emeritus and continues to advocate and support Restorative Justice and NGO engagement with criminal justice issues. In addition to his work with PFI, Nikkel has served as Chair of the United Nations NGO Alliance on Crime Prevention and the Treatment of Offenders (New York), Vice Chair of the International Association of Volunteers in Criminal Justice, and has received numerous awards for his work including a silver medal from the Russian Ministry of Interior for his contributions in prison reform following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Originally from Alberta, Ron currently resides in Nova Scotia with his wife Celeste.
Areas of Interest
Prisons and Corrections
Religion and Justice
Religion and Law
Public Policy and Faith-based Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
Briefing papers and OpEds
Bill C-51: To See or Not to See the Implications (October 13, 2015)
Related materials
Is There Human Rights in Prisons?