Charles “Duke” Tanner

[email protected] | 219-628-6219 | linkedin.com/in/charles-duke-tanner

Charles “Duke” Tanner was born in Gary, Indiana, and began boxing at just six years old. He trained under the legendary William Murphy and worked with Angelo Dundee, the iconic trainer of Muhammad Ali. In 1996, Duke earned a bronze medal at the Junior Olympic World Games and went on to a perfect 19-0 professional record. At just 24 years old, Duke’s life took a dramatic turn when he was sentenced to double life in federal prison for a non-violent drug conspiracy, despite being a first-time offender. His sentence was later reduced to 30 years, yet he still served over 16 years before he was granted clemency by President Donald J. Trump on October 21, 2020.

Since his release, Duke has dedicated his life to making sure others are not forgotten. He has become a tireless advocate for clemency, second chances, and real reform—reviewing cases, mentoring incarcerated men and women, and building programs that prepare them for success both inside and outside prison walls.

On May 28, 2025, during President Trump’s second term, Duke received a full presidential pardon in recognition of the significant positive impact he’s had on so many communities, and so many individual lives since his release.

Duke now serves as:

• Co-CEO of Legacy Impact Group, driving national preentry programming, workforce development, postsecondary education, housing, and mental health + substance misuse treatment initiatives.
• Vice President of Community Affairs for Engineered Tax Services, partnering on innovative projects that create jobs and rebuild communities using grants.
• Ambassador for AFPI’s Athletes for America, which unites a coalition of athletes committed to preserving and promoting America’s greatness while standing strong in their faith and values.
• They leverage their platforms to advance the America First agenda and make a positive impact on and off the field.
• Consultant for REFORM Alliance, using his lived experience and personal narrative to build support for criminal justice reform legislation, including the passage of the Safer Supervision Act.
• Spokesman for the Jack Brewer Foundation, supporting the American Heroes Fatherhood Initiative and second-chance events across the country.
• America First Policy Institute (AFPI) Criminal Justice Reform Speaker & Advocate, working on policy that supports and strengthens families, communities, and reentry opportunities.
• Ambassador for Prison Reform & Reentry with the Aleph Institute under Rabbi Zvi Boyarsky, personally visiting prisoners to assess their readiness for clemency and second chance initiatives using the Core 4 and HOPE Coaching + AI program as a vetting tool, validated by Pepperdine University with recidivism rates under 3%.
• 2025 Champion of America Award Recipient, Awarded by General Michael Flynn in recognition of his national economic empowerment and community rebuilding initiatives for underserved community members.

Duke is bringing wraparound services, workforce training, and AI-powered coaching directly into prisons. His vision is to equip incarcerated individuals with real skills in faith, family, fitness, and finance, while also adding cutting-edge training in tax incentives, cost segregation, and grants. This groundbreaking work has inspired Julio Gonzalez, billionaire CEO of Engineered Tax Services and the architect of America’s landmark tax bill, to partner with Duke and Legacy Impact Group. Together, they are creating a pathway where top graduates of the Core 4 program can step into real jobs immediately upon release—and in some cases, demonstrate discipline and skill mastery that strengthens eligibility for early release opportunities.

Duke has spoken to thousands across the country—in churches, prisons, schools, and camps—and reached tens of thousands more online through media interviews and podcasts. His message is simple yet powerful: faith, fatherhood, and second chances can transform lives and communities. Duke is the bestselling author of The Duke GotLife, available on Amazon. He is a proud husband to Shannon Tanner (married October 30,2024), and father to his only son, who earned his master’s degree at just 22 years old. Through his marriage, Duke was also blessed with two daughters and a granddaughter, Kali Williams, who he loves dearly. He continues to be guided by his mentor Julio Gonzalez, CEO of Engineered Tax Services.