Joseph J. (Joe) Popcun serves as Executive Deputy Commissioner, which is the number two position at the agency. Prior to joining the DCJS, he served as Director of Policy and Practice at the Rockefeller Institute of Government and Executive Director of the Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium. At the same time, in partnership with the Department of State, Joe was the Executive Director of the New York State Council on Community Re-Entry and Reintegration. During 2020 and 2021, he advised the New York Governor's COVID-19 response and recovery operations. Joe also has served as Deputy Commissioner for Policy and Planning at DCJS, as well as Assistant Secretary and Policy Advisor for Public Safety in the New York State Governor's Office. He joined state service in 2013 as an Excelsior Fellow in the Governor's Office. He lives in Albany with his wife and their two children.