For the full program sample, CEO generated a large, but short-lived increase in employment covered by unemployment insurance. By the end of the first year of followup, the program and control groups were equally likely to be employed. There were small, but statistically significant, decreases in two key measures of reoffending, felony convictions and incarceration for new crimes, during the first year of followup. Among those who came to CEO within 3 months after release, program group members were significantly less likely to have their parole revoked, to be convicted of a felony, and to be reincarcerated. In contrast, there were no significant impacts on any reoffending measures for those who came to CEO more than 3 months after release. The CEO evaluation is still at an early stage. The evaluation will eventually include 3 years of followup and will involve several additional data sources, including records of New York City jail stays and a survey of more than 500 sample members. A full report is planned for 2008. CEO uses a distinctive transitional employment model. After a 4-day job readiness class, participants are placed in temporary, minimum-wage jobs with crews that work under contract to city and State agencies. Within weeks, they receive help finding permanent jobs. Later, they receive services that promote employment retention. In 2004 and 2005, nearly 1,000 individuals were randomly assigned to the regular CEO program or to receive basic job search assistance (control group). The evaluation research team is following both groups for several years, using surveys and administrative data to measure the program's impact on employment recidivism and other outcomes. 14 tables and 11 references