Jennifer Riley-Collins is committed to serving the people of Mississippi. A decorated Army Colonel, a civil rights attorney and a mother, Jennifer has dedicated her life to protecting Mississippians and fighting for justice. Her legal career has put her on the frontlines fighting against poverty and fighting for criminal justice reform, juvenile justice, and voting rights. She has coordinated the legislative advocacy efforts aimed at reforming Mississippi’s juvenile justice system and de-institutionalizing at-risk youth. In 2008, she was nominated for recognition as one of Mississippi’s Most Outstanding Women Lawyers.
Jennifer is a native of Meridian, Mississippi. She served in the military for more than three decades as a military intelligence officer. She is an attorney licensed to practice in both state and federal courts. Since 2013, she has been the executive director of the Mississippi American Civil Liberties Union. Adding Jennifer’s voice to the executive chamber will ensure that, in partnership with the governor, issues such as the approval or veto of district maps drawn following the 2020 Census properly represent the diversity and population density of the state.