NCIA Mourns the Loss of Visionary Co-Founder and Board Chair Herbert J. Hoelter

Baltimore, MD—May 6, 2024—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.

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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.

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“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.”

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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 from CEO Magazine.?

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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.?

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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.?

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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.