Dr. Kerry Sautner is the president and chief executive officer of Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, where she leads the organization in preserving America’s first penitentiary and advancing public understanding of the criminal justice system. Under her leadership, Eastern State is expanding its role as a national leader in justice education, civic engagement, and workforce development, with a strategic focus on fostering dialogue, amplifying the voices of those with lived experience, and supporting reentry initiatives.

Eastern State’s vision of a justice system that treats everyone with fairness and dignity is central to Dr. Sautner’s work. She has been instrumental in reimagining the visitor experience, enhancing accessibility, and expanding innovative programs such as the LEAD Fellowship and the Preservation Trades Center—both of which provide pathways to fair-wage employment for returning citizens. Committed to public history as a tool for impact, she has spearheaded initiatives that integrate contemporary debates on the justice system with the site’s history, leveraging education, research, and community partnerships to inspire lasting change.

Previously, Dr. Sautner was the Chief Learning Officer at the National Constitution Center, where she led national civic education initiatives and oversaw visitor experience and educational programming. During her tenure, she developed Policing in a More Perfect Union, a nationally recognized program that brings together police recruits and community members to examine the history of policing in the U.S., explore constitutional rights, and foster dialogue on justice, fairness, and public trust. Her doctoral research explored how storytelling in museum settings can influence police recruits’ perspectives on social justice and community engagement.

In addition to her work at Eastern State, Dr. Sautner serves as president of the Lower Merion School District Board of School Directors, where she is committed to fostering excellence in education, inclusion, and student success. In this role, she works closely with fellow board members, district leadership, and the community to ensure that all students have access to high-quality learning opportunities in a supportive and safe environment.

Dr. Sautner also worked in program development at The Franklin Institute and has served as an adjunct professor at Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania. She holds a doctorate in education leadership and management from Drexel University, with a focus on creativity and innovation in educational institutions. She earned her master’s degree in education from Drexel University and a bachelor’s degree in biology and marine science from Rutgers University.

She is a member of The Forum of Executive Women and serves on the American Bar Association's Public Education Advisory Commission. Her academic writings have appeared in the Journal of Museum Education.