Denise Kronstadt
Executive Director
Denise Kronstadt joined Modern Courts in January 2006 and serves as its Executive Director. In this role, she is responsible for organizational leadership, strategic planning, board relations, fundraising, budget oversight, staff supervision, and program development. She also advances the organization’s policy and legislative agenda, develops strategic partnerships, builds statewide coalitions, manages government relations, oversees court monitoring, and leads initiatives related to training, resource development, policy reports, pro bono coordination, and digital and social media engagement. She serves on the Chief Judge’s Commission on Access to Justice and as counsel to the Advisory Council on Immigrants and State Courts.
Her strong track record advocating for a fair and effective justice system and advancing economic equality began well before her tenure at Modern Courts. As a Legislator in Rockland County, she successfully championed policies protecting parkland from development, securing funding for bilingual women’s health services, and supporting immigrant day worker centers. She chaired the Multi-Services Committee and the Special Citizens Committee on HAVA (Help America Vote Act).
Ms. Kronstadt has managed and advised local campaigns for progressive candidates and social justice issues. She was formerly a Supervising Attorney with the Legal Aid Society of Rockland County, overseeing the Homelessness Prevention Program, where she led a team of attorneys working on eviction prevention, foreclosure, and crisis response. She has taught courses on women and politics, domestic violence, criminal justice, and American political parties. Ms. Kronstadt received her J.D. from Brooklyn Law School and began her legal career as a staff attorney with District Council 37. She has also worked at the New York State Attorney General’s Office.
Keisha Alao
Policy and Program Manager
Keisha Alao joined the Fund for Modern Courts in 2023 as Policy and Program Manager. In this role, Ms. Alao is responsible for advancing the organization’s policy and strategic agenda, overseeing administrative operations, executing social media marketing initiatives, and coordinating logistics for major events.
With over 20 years of experience in project and program management, Ms. Alao is recognized for her diligence and goal-oriented approach. She is dedicated to enhancing organizations’ capacity to meet the needs of their clients, a commitment she has demonstrated across various sectors including private enterprise, municipal government, and nonprofit organizations. A certified Scrum Master, Ms. Alao also brings expertise in arts management, child and youth development, and asset management to her work.
Before her tenure at Modern Courts, Ms. Alao served as Asset Manager for HDFC Coops under the purview of New York City’s Housing Preservation and Development, where she facilitated homeownership initiatives. Additionally, she has managed operations for notable nonprofit entities such as the Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls, Mental Health Association of NYC, Good Shepherd Services, and the Children’s Theatre Company. Complementing her professional roles, Ms. Alao is also a coach and consultant for emerging small business owners.