Our Principal

Meet Jesse

Most recently, as Vice President of Communications and Public Relations for the National Center for State Courts (NCSC), Rutledge led efforts to strengthen public understanding of the judiciary and advance confidence in courts while serving as a trusted voice on the most consequential issues facing state justice systems.

For nearly two decades, Rutledge helped shape the organization’s communications strategy, public engagement initiatives, national partnerships, and outreach to judicial leaders. 

Working closely with state courts

He has worked closely with chief justices, state court administrators, judges, court professionals, and national justice organizations to translate complex issues into clear, accessible information for policymakers, the media, and the public. 

Rutledge developed NCSC’s annual State of the State Courts national public opinion survey, which provided court leaders with critical insights into Americans’ perceptions of fairness, impartiality, access to justice, judicial independence, technology, and court performance.

Rutledge staffed several committees of the Conference of Chief Justices and the Conference of State Court Administrators, including the Public Engagement, Trust and Confidence committee and the Judicial Selection and Compensation committee. 

Public speaking engagements

A trusted speaker, educator, and commentator, Rutledge has presented to judicial and legal audiences across the United States and internationally. His media commentary has appeared in outlets including National Public Radio, Law360, and the ABA Journal. 

Research

His original research on judicial elections and campaign conduct achieved a rare distinction when it was cited by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in her 2015 concurring opinion in Williams-Yulee v. The Florida Bar. 

Protecting courts from special interest pressure

Before his time at NCSC, Rutledge served as deputy director of the Justice at Stake Campaign in Washington, D.C., where he worked nationally to protect courts from political and special-interest pressure. That experience established the foundation for a career devoted to preserving fair and impartial courts, ensuring they remain accountable, accessible, and responsive to the communities they serve.

Rutledge holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science. He lives near Tucson, Arizona.