Brett Peterson is a nationally recognized leader in youth justice reform and implementation. With deep expertise in system operation and policy, he offers a unique ability to bridge complex policy theory with practical, real-world application. As the former Director of the Utah Division of Juvenile Justice and Youth Services, Brett successfully oversaw the management of comprehensive care, from early intervention to secure facilities and parole. His leadership resulted in significant reforms, including landmark legislation that excluded youth under 12 from the formal system. Brett's advocacy and expertise led to a more than 50% reduction in detention usage in Utah and the expansion of early intervention programs for thousands of youth. Brett is the founder of Justice Path Advisors, where he leverages his extensive operational experience and trauma-informed perspective to help systems achieve excellence, accountability, and safety. A powerful and engaging speaker, he frequently addresses topics such as leadership, organizational culture, best practices, and policy frameworks. As the immediate past president of the Council of Juvenile Justice Administrators, he has provided expert testimony to Congress and technical assistance to youth justice leaders in over 50 jurisdictions.

As president and CEO, Gary manages business and fund development, strategy, marketing, communications, finance, legal and other key executive leadership functions. He also explores and develops new opportunities to implement the YAP model. Gary pioneered work with youth street gangs in Fort Worth, TX. This work was featured in several national publications including Catalyst, a national newsletter of the National Crime Prevention Council, and the PBS series In Search of Law and Order. The Tarrant County programs, known as TCAP, have been featured as a national model for developing community-based alternatives for serious juvenile offenders. Gary received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Austin College. In 1999, he received the alumnus of the decade award from his alma mater. He received a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary with a focus on public policy and ethics. He has also completed graduate course work at the Woodrow Wilson School of International and Public Affairs at Princeton University.