Rexanah P. Wyse Morrissette, Esq. is an adjunct in the School of Public Policy. She teaches PLCY 288A, Introduction to Public Policy Topics; 21st Century Racial Justice and Gender from the Bullhorn to the Ballot. Rexanah is a former Maryland prosecutor dedicated to changing the narrative for vulnerable populations. Rexanah currently serves as the Managing Director of Public Policy for the Children’s Defense Fund. Previously Rexanah served as the Chief of Staff at the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness; the only federal agency whose sole mission is to reduce and end homelessness in the United States.
At the beginning of her legal career, Rexanah began at the Maryland Attorney General’s Office focusing on educational issues and disability matters. She then went on to practice immigration law before pivoting to criminal justice. Rexanah led the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office's innovative early intervention program to address truancy. She then went to the Baltimore Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice where she led efforts of the Violence Reduction Initiative Licensing Subcommittee to address late-night business licenses to tackle criminal activity.
Rexanah’s philanthropic efforts include serving on the boards for The Safe Sisters Circle, Central American Resource Center (CARECEN DC), and the University of Maryland's Lutheran Campus Ministry. She also serves on the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services State Advisory Board. Rexanah is also an alumna of the New Leaders Council, Maryland chapter.
Rexanah graduated from the University of Baltimore School of law earning her Juris Doctor degree with a certificate in Public Service. Rexanah served as the Managing Editor for the University of Baltimore Journal of International Law. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice and minor in Human Development from the University of Maryland, College Park. Rexanah is a licensed member of the Maryland State Bar.