Kevin Hyde | Ban the Box

Ex-offenders cannot get jobs. Yet employment is one of the most powerful tools against recidivism. How can a community — even a conservative city like Jacksonville — come to grips with helping ex-offenders obtain employment? Kevin Hyde discusses the practical community benefits of providing job opportunities for ex-offenders, dispels some of the myths of why and how ex-offenders should not be hired, and demonstrate why job training is more “cost-effective” societally and financially than incarceration.

Kevin E. Hyde is a partner and employment lawyer with Foley & Lardner LLP. Hyde represents employers in a variety of human resources matters, and is managing partner of the firm’s Jacksonville office.

Hyde speaks regularly at various programs and seminars, focusing on employment issues. He has served as keynote speaker at more than 30 state, regional, and national business and civic organization conventions. Hyde also serves as a thought leader in the firm’s Legal Innovation Hub® for NextGen Manufacturers.

Hyde has been active in Jacksonville community affairs.  He is a former President of the Jacksonville City Council, served as the Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Jacksonville, and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Jacksonville Public Education Fund, WJCT Public Broadcasting, Jacksonville Community Council, Inc. and The Jacksonville Public Library Foundation.  Additionally, he and his wife Kathi created and operate a fund to provide scholarships to send kids to summer camp.

Hyde graduated from the University of Florida College of Law and has lived in Jacksonville since 1988.