Editorial Advisory Board

The Correctional News Editorial Advisory Board is comprised of sitting directors, sheriffs, justice advocates, and representatives from non-profit or government advocacy organizations, providing expert insights on industry trends, projects, and policies.

Ast

Amy L. Ast
Director, Ohio Department of Youth Services 

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Jeff Beard, Ph.D. 
Former Secretary of Corrections for California and Pennsylvania

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EAB.Collier

Bryan Collier
Former Executive Director, Texas Department of Criminal Justice

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Nicholas Deml 
Former Commissioner, Vermont Department of Corrections 

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EAB.Dotson

Chadwick Dotson
Former Director, Virginia Department of Corrections

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EAB.Dunn

Jeff Dunn 
Owner, The Dunn Group, LLC; Former Commissioner, Alabama Department of Corrections

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Jared Garcia
Executive Director, Utah Department of Corrections

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EAB.Hanks

Helen Hanks 
Former Commissioner, New Hampshire Department of Corrections

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Tod Ishee

Todd Ishee
Former Cabinet Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction

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Edwardo Jackson 
Captain, Travis County Sheriff’s Office, Travis County, TX; Former President, Texas Jail Association

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EAB.Jeffreys

Rob Jeffreys
Director, Nebraska Department of Correctional Services; President Correctional Leaders Association

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Labat

Patrick “Pat” Labat
Sheriff, Fulton County, Ga. 

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EAB.Laughlin

Shawn Laughlin 
Commander, Broomfield Detention Center; President American Jail Association Board of Directors

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Marc Levin
Chief Policy Counsel, Council on Criminal Justice

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Brian Lovins, Ph.D. 
President, Justice System Partners 

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Lumpkin

Bobby Lumpkin,
Executive Director, Texas Department of Criminal Justice 

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headshot photo of Dan Martuscello wearing glasses and suit and tie with gray background

Daniel F. Martuscello III
Commissioner, New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision

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Kelly A. Martinez 
Sheriff, San Diego County


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Larome Myrick, Ph.D. 
Executive Director, Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth, & Families

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Ashley Oddo 
Deputy Director, Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry 

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Tyrone Oliver 
Commissioner, Georgia Department of Corrections

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EAB.Salisbury

Wayne Salisbury 
Director, Rhode Island Department of Corrections 

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EAB.Salzillo

Cory Salzillo 
Managing Partner, WPSS Group 

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EAB.Tapia

Nneka Jones Tapia, Psy.D.
 Managing Director for Justice Initiatives, Chicago Beyond

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Josh Tewalt 
Former Director, Idaho Department of Correction

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Felice Upton
Former Assistant Secretary of Juvenile Rehabilitation, Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families

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Tim Ward 
Former Commissioner, Georgia Department of Corrections; Member, Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles

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Amy L. Ast, | Director, Ohio Department of Youth Services

Amy L. Ast is a seasoned leader in youth services with a deep understanding of juvenile justice. As Director of the Ohio Department of Youth Services, she oversees a comprehensive system that provides prevention, intervention and habilitative services for justice-involved youth. Her extensive experience within DYS, coupled with her external consulting and leadership roles, gives her a unique perspective on the legal and operational complexities of the juvenile justice continuum. 

Across her more than 30 years of experience in the field of juvenile justice, including 25 years within DYS, Ast rose through the ranks to lead the organization as well as consulting for the Department of Justice and spending four years of service in the private sector. 

Ast is a member of the Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission, where she co-chairs the OSC’s Juvenile Committee. She is also a member of the RECLAIM Advisory Committee, the Supreme Court of Ohio Advisory Committee on Children and Families, the Center for Improving Youth Justice – Standards Committee, the Council of Juvenile Justice Administrators, the American Correctional Association and the Association of Women Executives in Corrections. 

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Jeff Beard, Ph.D. | Former Secretary of Corrections for California and Pennsylvania

Dr. Jeffrey A. Beard has dedicated over 40 years to corrections, serving in leadership roles across Pennsylvania and California. He was appointed Secretary of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) in 2012 by Governor Edmund G. Brown, overseeing a system with 127,000 inmates, 43,000 parolees, 54,000 employees, and a $10 billion budget. He retired in 2015 after three years in the role. 

Dr. Beard began his career as a corrections counselor at SCI-Rockview in 1972 and advanced to superintendent at SCI-Cresson and later SCI-Camp Hill, where he managed operations following major riots. He rose to become Deputy Commissioner and Executive Deputy Secretary before being appointed Pennsylvania Secretary of Corrections in 2001 by Governor Tom Ridge, a role he continued under Governor Ed Rendell until his retirement in 2010. In Pennsylvania, he managed a system housing over 51,000 inmates, employing 16,000 staff, with a $1.8 billion budget. 

Post-retirement, Dr. Beard has served as an expert witness, consultant, and advisor to various states, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and private companies. A licensed psychologist, he holds a B.S., M.Ed., and Ph.D. in counseling from Pennsylvania State University, with his license currently in inactive status. 

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Bryan Collier | Former Executive Director, Texas Department of Criminal Justice

Bryan Collier, with more than 39 years of experience in adult corrections, served as the Executive Director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) from 2016 to 2025. He oversaw one of the nation’s largest criminal justice systems, managing the confinement and care of over 130,000 felony inmates, the supervision of 230,000 individuals on probation or parole, and a statewide workforce of approximately 30,000 employees. 

Beginning his career with TDCJ in 1985 as a Clerk, Collier held various roles, including Correctional Officer, Parole Officer, Parole Division Director, and Deputy Executive Director. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Corrections from Sam Houston State University. 

Collier is an active leader in the corrections field, serving as the Vice President of the American Correctional Association (ACA) and Chair of the Correctional Leaders Association (CLA) Southern Region and Recruitment and Retention Committee. He has been recognized as one of ACA’s “Best in the Business” and has received prestigious awards, including the Dr. George J. Beto Hall of Honor and the 2022 CLA Michael Francke Award. He also serves on the Board of the 4th Purpose Foundation and has contributed to national correctional standards and policies through his work with the ACA and the Texas Corrections Association. 

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Nicholas Deml | Former Commissioner, Vermont Department of Corrections

Nicholas J. Deml is the former Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Corrections, where he oversaw the state’s correctional facilities, community supervision, and the rehabilitation of detained and sentenced individuals. Appointed by Governor Phil Scott in November 2021, Commissioner Deml made significant progress in reforming and innovating Vermont’s correctional system. On Aug. 15, 2025, Deml retired from the department and is currently the managing director of Everly Bly, a Vermont-based advisory firm.   

Deml is also a member of the Advisory Board of the Council of State Governments – Justice Center and a board member of Wilson Global Initiative, an international nonprofit advancing literacy.  

Deml’s career includes distinguished service as a clandestine service intelligence officer with the Central Intelligence Agency. He has also held key roles in public service, including serving as an attorney and aide to U.S. Senator Dick Durbin on the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary, and as a national security staffer in the Office of the Assistant Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate.  

A graduate of Marquette University Law School (J.D.) and Southern Illinois University (B.A.), Commissioner Deml resides in Chittenden County, Vermont, with his wife and two daughters. 

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Chadwick Dotson | Former Director, Virginia Department of Corrections

Judge (ret.) Chadwick Dotson is the former director of the Virginia Department of Corrections. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and his Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University Law Center. After a short stint in private practice, Dotson was elected in 2003 as attorney for Wise County and the City of Norton. While in this role, he was appointed as a special assistant United States attorney for the Western District of Virginia.

In 2007, Dotson was elected by the Virginia General Assembly to the General District Court bench. He was elevated to the Circuit Court bench in 2011 and reappointed in 2019. He served as the chief judge of the 30th Judicial Circuit and presided over the Circuit’s Recovery Court program for the entirety of his tenure on the Circuit bench.

In addition, Dotson served a term on the State Drug Court Advisory Board, appointed by the chief justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia. After retiring from the bench, Dotson served as dean of students and distinguished professor of law at the Appalachian School of Law, where he taught constitutional law, criminal law and criminal procedure. In 2022, Gov. Glenn Youngkin appointed Dotson to serve as the chair of the Virginia Parole Board, where he was agency head until 2023 when he was appointed department director.

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Jeff Dunn | Owner, The Dunn Group, LLC, Former Commissioner, Alabama Department of Corrections

Jeff Dunn, Colonel, USAF (Ret.), is the owner of The Dunn Group LLC, a consultancy specializing in corrections strategy, business development, and executive decision-making. Previously, he served as Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Corrections, overseeing over 18,000 offenders, 26 facilities, 3,600 staff members, and a $500 million budget. During his tenure, he implemented a transformative Strategic Plan, addressing staffing, infrastructure, and programming. Notable achievements include securing the largest correctional officer pay increase in Alabama’s history, reforming healthcare systems, and securing $1.3 billion for the Alabama Prison Program to modernize facilities. 

Nationally, Dunn served on the Executive Committee of the Correctional Leaders Association and received the Tom Clemens Award for Innovation in Corrections. He also contributed to Alabama’s criminal justice policy through various commissions and study groups. Internationally, he consults with military and government organizations on strategic planning and operational improvement. 

A retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, Dunn’s 28-year military career included roles in transportation, logistics, and strategic studies. He holds multiple degrees, including a B.A. in English from Birmingham-Southern College and advanced degrees in nonprofit management, logistics, and strategic studies. 

Jeff lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with his wife of 37 years, Susan. They have three adult children and two grandchildren. 

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Jared Garcia | Executive Director, Utah Department of Corrections

Jared Garcia was appointed executive director of the Utah Department of Corrections in March 2025.

He began his career in public safety service in in 2002 when he was hired by the Utah Department of Public Safety.

He served in a variety of roles at the Utah Highway Patrol and State Bureau of Investigation. Garcia oversaw the UHP Central Bureau, which includes troopers in Salt Lake County and the DUI Squad. He also oversaw the SERT tactical team, the Motor Squad, the Dive Team and the Public Order Unit.

Previously, Garcia was a captain in charge of the State Bureau of Investigation, which investigates all types of criminal activity, from terrorism and homicide to sexual assault, gang activity, narcotics, and property crime. He also has overseen the Department of Public Safety’s Victim Services program, the Youth Narcotics Task Force, and the Narcotics and Violent Crime Evidence Response Team, among other responsibilities.

In 2017, Garcia was named an International Association of Chiefs of Police “40 Under 40,” an award that recognizes 40 law enforcement professionals under the age of 40 from around the world who demonstrate leadership and exemplify commitment to their Profession.

Garcia served as the Chief of Police in Moab, Utah starting in May 2022. He has also served on the governing boards for the Salt Lake Area Gang Project, Utah Trafficking in Persons Task Force, and the Utah Crime Victim Council. He joined the UDC in October 2023 as Deputy Executive Director.

Garcia obtained a bachelor’s degree from Columbia College in Criminal Justice Administration and a master’s degree from University of San Diego with an emphasis in law enforcement and public safety leadership.

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Helen Hanks | Former Commissioner, New Hampshire Department of Corrections

Helen Hanks joined the New Hampshire Department of Corrections in 2003 and was confirmed as Commissioner in 2017 before leaving her role in 2025. Under her leadership, the department implemented innovative therapeutic communities, such as Wellness and Residential Treatment Units, focusing on mental health and substance use disorder treatment. She successfully aligned healthcare payment models during incarceration with Medicaid and Medicare, securing legislative changes to improve care continuity. 

A major achievement includes overseeing the design and construction of a new women’s correctional facility, ensuring equitable services for women. Her efforts contributed to a significant reduction in women’s recidivism rates, dropping from 41.9% in 2018 to 30.07% in 2020. Hanks has also led advancements in healthcare, addressing infectious diseases like Hepatitis C and HIV and ensuring corrections align with community healthcare practices. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, she implemented proactive safety protocols, protecting staff and residents. Committed to workforce recruitment and retention, she advocates for improved infrastructure that supports staff wellness and inmate rehabilitation. Hanks champions community reintegration and raises awareness of corrections’ role, fostering partnerships for success. 

She holds a B.S. in psychology with honors from Plymouth State College and a master’s degree in Health Care Policy and Management from Brandeis University. 

Todd Ishee | Former Cabinet Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction

Todd Ishee is the former cabinet secretary of the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, where he oversaw 30,000 incarcerated people, 85,000 offenders and 20,000 employees—while managing a $2.1 billion budget. During his tenure, Ishee built strong leadership and staff collaboration, while ensuring the safety and rehabilitation of residents.   

Previously, Ishee served as commissioner of prisons for the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, where he managed 55 adult correctional facilities and led initiatives in prison reform and violence reduction. He spent three decades with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation, where he began his career as a correctional officer.   

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Edwardo Jackson | Captain, Travis County Sheriff’s Office, Travis County, TX; Former President, Texas Jail Association

Edwardo Jackson, a native of Austin, Texas, began his career with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office in 2000 as a Security Coordinator. Promoted to Corrections Officer in 2004, Jackson has served in various assignments and leadership roles, including Travis County Jail, Central Booking, Courthouse Security, Prisoner Transportation, and Inmate Services. His expertise extends to roles such as Director of the Field Training Officer Program and Co-chair of the Awards Committee. 

An active member of the Texas Jail Association (TJA) since 2015, Jackson has contributed significantly to advancing professional development in corrections, raising funds for scholarships, and serving as TJA President for the 2023–2024 term. Jackson holds certifications as a Certified Jail Manager, Master Jailer, Peace Officer, and TCOLE Certified Instructor. He is a graduate of prestigious leadership programs, including the National Jail Leadership Command Academy (Class #43) and Jail Administration Management and Operations. 

Recognized for his outstanding service, Jackson has received numerous awards, including the Texas Jail Association Distinguished Service Award (2019 and 2022) and the TCSLEA Supervisor of the Year. In April 2022, Sheriff Sally Hernandez appointed him Captain in the Corrections Bureau, where he oversees TCJS Compliance and Standards, including the Kitchen, Laundry, Warehouse, Commissary, and Life Safety. 

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Rob Jeffreys | Director, Nebraska Department of Correctional Services; President, Correctional Leaders Association

Rob Jeffreys is the Director of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS), appointed by Governor Jim Pillen in April 2023. With over 28 years of experience in corrections, Jeffreys leads an agency overseeing approximately 5,500 incarcerated individuals, a workforce of 2,300 team members, and an annual budget exceeding $313 million. He serves as a key member of the Governor’s cabinet, focusing on modernizing facilities and enhancing pathways for community reentry. 

Previously, Jeffreys served as Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections (2019–2023), where he spearheaded significant reforms, including the creation of a reentry division, a 40% reduction in restrictive housing populations, and achieving Illinois’ lowest prison population since 1991. His career also includes 24 years with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, where he held roles such as Chief of Staff, Regional Director, and Warden. 

Nationally recognized as a criminal justice expert, Jeffreys has worked with the U.S. Department of Justice, the Crime and Justice Institute, and The Moss Group as a consultant and trainer. He is the President of the Correctional Leaders Association and chairs its Racial Disparity Committee. Jeffreys holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice with a concentration in Correctional Administration from Marshall University. 

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Patrick “Pat” Labat | Sheriff, Fulton County, Ga.

Patrick “Pat” Labat is the 28th Sheriff of Fulton County, Ga., overseeing 875 employees and an annual budget of more than $143 million. Since taking office in 2021, he has achieved unprecedented success in recruitment and retention, jail reform, courthouse security, crime prevention and public safety.  

He changed the mission of the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office to one word — Service — believing service is the cornerstone of any organization. In less than three years, he brokered detainee housing agreements with the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Atlanta, moving hundreds of detainees, and established an Inmate Advocacy Unit to address dangerous overcrowding at the Fulton County Jail. 

Sheriff Labat served as the President of the Georgia Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives in 2011, President of the Georgia Jail Association in 2016 and was named the GJA Jail Administrator of the Year in 2015 and 2019. He was also invited to serve as a witness at the Social Problems Hearing for the President’s 2020 Commission for Law Enforcement and Justice. He currently serves as a member of the FirstNet Health & Wellness Committee and chair of the Major County Sheriff’s Association Detention & Jail Committee. 

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Shawn Laughlin | Commander, Broomfield Detention Center; President American Jail Association Board of Directors

Shawn is the Commander of the Broomfield Detention Center, a 224-bed facility serving the City and County of Broomfield. With 29 years of experience in corrections, he has worked across all areas of the field and is a recognized expert in correctional operations, providing testimony in state and federal courts. Shawn serves as President of the American Jail Association (AJA) Board of Directors and has presented at both AJA and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) conferences. 

An instructor for the County Sheriffs of Colorado for 13 years, Shawn develops curriculum and trains professionals in all aspects of jail operations. He is also a past Secretary of the Colorado Jail Association and has been a Certified Jail Manager since 2005. Shawn holds an M.A. in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Colorado and an Executive Certificate in PhD studies from Liberty University. A graduate of the National Jail Leadership Command Academy, Shawn’s innovative programs and partnerships have been recognized by the State of Colorado and the Department of Justice as models for other facilities. 

Dedicated to advancing corrections, Shawn continues to lead initiatives that promote excellence and operational efficiency in detention and jail management. 

Marc Levin | Chief Policy Counsel, Council on Criminal Justice

Marc A. Levin, Chief Policy Counsel at the nonpartisan Council on Criminal Justice, is a leading voice in criminal justice reform. A sought-after thinker and doer, Levin bridges legal scholarship, policy innovation, and bipartisan collaboration to advance practical, evidence-based criminal justice solutions. His work continues to shape state and national dialogues on creating a fairer and more effective justice system.

An attorney and prolific author, he founded the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s criminal justice program in 2005, driving bipartisan reforms that spurred dramatic declines in Texas’ crime and incarceration rates. In 2010, this success led him to develop the concept of the Foundation’s Right on Crime initiative.

Levin has testified before Congress four times, before state legislatures on hundreds of occasions, and advised lawmakers nationwide. Internationally, he has counseled leaders in the UK, Australia, and Uruguay. His expertise is reflected in dozens of policy papers on sentencing, parole, reentry, and overcriminalization, as well as articles in outlets like the Wall Street Journal and USA Today.

He serves on the Board of Directors for Urban Rural Action and on the advisory boards for the Aspen Institute Criminal Justice Initiative, UT’s Prison and Jail Innovation Lab, and The Marshall Project. Levin also sits on the Federalist Society’s Criminal Law & Procedure Executive Committee. He previously served a six-year term on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals.

Levin graduated with honors from the University of Texas in 1999 (B.A., Plan II Honors and Government) and earned his J.D. with honors from UT Law in 2002. He clerked for Judge Will Garwood on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and worked as a Staff Attorney at the Texas Supreme Court.

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Brian Lovins, Ph.D | Principal, Justice System Partners

Dr. Brian Lovins is a Principal at Justice System Partners (JSP) and a leading voice in community corrections. He holds a Ph.D. in Criminology from the University of Cincinnati and is the Immediate Past President of the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA). Previously, Dr. Lovins served as Assistant Director of Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department (CSCD), where he led agency-wide change initiatives to improve successful completion rates. 

Dr. Lovins is renowned for introducing the referee/coach concept to community corrections, helping probation officers shift their professional identity to focus on coaching rather than refereeing. His landmark article, “Probation Officer as a Coach: Building a New Professional Identity,” was published in Federal Probation in 2018. Since then, he has delivered hundreds of presentations and consultations, assisting agencies in implementing evidence-based practices and a coaching framework. 

Dr. Lovins’ contributions have earned him the 2020 Edward J. Latessa Practitioner Research Award, the Dr. Simon Dinitz Public Service Award, and the David Dillingham Award. A Distinguished Alumnus of the University of Cincinnati, he has published extensively on risk assessment, cognitive-behavioral interventions, and effective practices for addressing sexual offenders. Dr. Lovins is committed to advancing evidence-based approaches in community corrections nationwide. 

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Bobby Lumpkin | Executive Director, Texas Department of Criminal Justice

Bobby Lumpkin has almost 35 years of criminal justice experience, beginning as a Correctional Officer with TDCJ in 1990. He was promoted to Assistant Warden in 1999 and went on to serve in a variety of leadership roles within TDCJ, including being promoted to  Director of the Correctional Institutions Division in August 2020 and Chief Operations Officer in November 2024. He was appointed Executive Director of TDCJ in September of 2025. 

Lumpkin recently completed his term as President of the National Correctional Industries Association and now serves as the Chairman of the NCIA Board of Governors. He previously served as a Commissioner on the Commission on Accreditation for Corrections. Currently, he serves on the American Correctional Association Board of Governors for Correctional Administration. Mr. Lumpkin is also a member of the North American Association of Wardens and Superintendents, Past President of the Texas Corrections Association, and he supports the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation. 

He holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Management and Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University. 

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Daniel F. Martuscello III | Commissioner, New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision

Daniel F. Martuscello III is the Commissioner of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. He was nominated to the position by Gov. Kathy Hochul and confirmed by the New York State Senate in May 2024 after serving as Acting Commissioner since June 2023.

Commissioner Martuscello is the first former Correction Officer to be appointed to the position of NYSDOCC Commissioner. He began his career as a Correction Officer with the then New York State Department of Correctional Services in May 1997. He transitioned from security to administrative services in 2001, where he held a variety of titles within the Bureau of Personnel, including Director of Human Resources.

In August 2012, Commissioner Martuscello was appointed Deputy Commissioner for Administrative Services, where he oversaw the agency’s $3.6 billion budget. He was appointed Executive Deputy Commissioner for the agency in November 2017. In this role, he coordinated the activities of and provided general direction to the agency’s entire Executive Team, and served as the Commissioner’s principal advisor, with an emphasis on labor relations, intergovernmental affairs, facility operations, and community issues.

Commissioner Martuscello is a member of the American Correctional Association, New York State Minorities in Criminal Justice, New York Corrections and Youth Services Association, and the Chair of the Northeast Region of the Correctional Leaders Association. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology from SUNY Cortland.

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Kelly A. Martinez | Sheriff, San Diego County

Sheriff Martinez has dedicated nearly four decades to serving San Diego County. Beginning her career in 1985 as a Deputy Sheriff, she worked in the jails before patrolling Fallbrook. Her extensive career includes 22 years as a deputy, specializing in gang and narcotics investigations, and later advancing to key leadership roles. As a sergeant, she supervised the Criminal Intelligence Unit and Internal Affairs. Promoted to lieutenant, she served several cities, including Encinitas and Del Mar, and oversaw the Sheriff’s involvement in the DEA Narcotic Task Force. As Captain, she led operations in Alpine and eastern San Diego County, eventually advancing to Commander of Investigations. As Assistant Sheriff, she managed the Law Enforcement Services Bureau, and as Undersheriff, she oversaw daily operations of the Sheriff’s Office. Elected in 2022, Sheriff Martinez now leads law enforcement services across 4,200 square miles, nine contract cities, seven jails, and multiple courthouses, managing a $1.2 billion budget and over 4,700 employees. 

A San Diego native, Sheriff Martinez holds a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Administration, advanced POST certifications, and is a graduate of the FBI National Executive Institute. She is an active member of numerous professional organizations and is deeply committed to public safety. She is married with one son. 

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Larome Myrick, Ph.D | Executive Director, Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth, & Families

Dr. Larome Myrick is a transformational leader with nearly 25 years of experience in criminal justice, public health, and human services. He currently serves as the Executive Director of Juvenile Justice for the State of Rhode Island, where he oversees the Rhode Island Training School and the Juvenile Probation Division. Dr. Myrick has led groundbreaking reforms, achieving a 60% reduction in admissions to the Training School and advancing community-based alternatives. A champion of equity and inclusion, he has implemented race equity plans to ensure fair and just service delivery.

At the national level, Dr. Myrick serves as the Treasurer for the Council of Juvenile Justice Administrators, collaborating with peers to drive juvenile justice reform. He is also an active member of organizations like Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice, and serves on the Rhode Island for Community and Justice Board.

Dr. Myrick holds a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Capella University, with research focused on desistance among formerly incarcerated women. He also has a master’s in organizational leadership and a bachelor’s in healthcare administration and social sciences. A sought-after speaker currently teaches a College Unbound (Providence, RI) and Rhode Island College.

Ashley Oddo | Deputy Director, Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry

An up-and-coming leader in corrections, Ashley Oddo brings a rare blend of legal precision and visionary leadership to her role as Deputy Director of the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry (ADCRR). Since her appointment in October 2024, she has been pivotal in steering critical initiatives and ensuring system-wide accountability across the Department. 

Before assuming this leadership post, Oddo served as General Counsel for ADCRR, where she demonstrated exceptional problem-solving capabilities—navigating landmark challenges including a federal court injunction and driving critical policy revisions. 

In her current capacity, Oddo is instrumental in forging cross-sector collaboration and delivering results. She contributes to the Governor’s Reentry 2030 Initiative, a bipartisan effort to improve support and enhance public safety, and helps lead ADCRR’s Violence Reduction Workgroup, focused on reducing violence and improving prison safety with an emphasis on finding and implementing feasible and sustainable solutions. 

As an advocate for education and research, she has been published in the Arizona State Law Journal in the areas of comprehensive police data collection and the impacts of marijuana legalization on public safety.  

Prior to her role at ADCRR she served as a trial attorney, receiving the Ross P. Lee Award in 2020 for her dedication to the provision of high-quality representation. She also worked as the Director of a criminal justice reform center at ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, spearheading policy initiatives while managing a multi-million dollar budget.  

Oddo holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Marketing and Management from California Lutheran University and a J.D. from the University of San Francisco School of Law.  

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Tyrone Oliver | Commissioner, Georgia Department of Corrections

Tyrone Oliver was appointed Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections in 2022 by Governor Brian Kemp. Previously, he served as Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, bringing over two decades of law enforcement and leadership experience to his role. 

Commissioner Oliver began his career in 1999 as a Detention Officer with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, later advancing to Deputy Sheriff, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. During his tenure, he served in diverse roles, including Uniform Patrol, Community Outreach, Drug Enforcement, Special Investigations, and Public Information Officer. In 2013, he became one of the first officers hired for the newly formed Brookhaven Police Department, where he served as Assistant Commander of Internal Affairs and Criminal Investigations. In 2016, Oliver was appointed Chief of Police for the City of Social Circle and later designated Deputy City Manager in 2018. 

Nationally recognized, Oliver was elected Vice President of the American Correctional Association in 2022 and serves on the Board of Directors for the Council of Juvenile Justice Administrators. He also sits on multiple state boards and executive committees, including the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. 

A graduate of Columbus State University’s Law Enforcement Professional Management Program, Oliver has completed prestigious leadership programs, including the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Program and the Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange to Israel. 

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Wayne Salisbury | Director, Rhode Island Department of Corrections

Wayne began his career in 1987 as a Law Enforcement Specialist in the United States Air Force, where he worked in patrol and corrections. After six years of active duty, he transitioned to become a Correctional Officer and advanced through the ranks to Warden at a municipal ACA-accredited facility in Rhode Island. With over 35 years of experience in jails and prisons, Wayne has served as a practitioner, auditor, and administrator. 

In March 2016, Wayne joined the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, where he has held multiple leadership roles. He served as Deputy Warden and Warden of the department’s Intake Service Center, as well as Deputy Warden overseeing the Training Academy for over three years. Most recently, he held the position of Assistant Director of Administration for two years. 

Wayne holds bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice and cybersecurity, along with a master’s degree in public administration. He is also a Certified Corrections Executive (CCE), demonstrating his commitment to professional excellence in the field. With a career dedicated to advancing corrections operations and training, Wayne brings extensive expertise and leadership to every role he undertakes. 

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Cory Salzillo | Managing Partner, WPSS Group

Cory Salzillo is a Managing Partner of WPSS Group, where he provides public policy analysis, legislative advocacy, and strategic business consulting for clients navigating California’s Governor’s Office, State Legislature, and various administrative agencies. With over 26 years of experience in and around the California State Legislature, Cory is a seasoned expert in public policy and legislative affairs. 

Prior to joining WPSS Group more than a decade ago, Cory served as the Director of Legislation for the California District Attorneys Association, representing nearly 3,000 prosecutors statewide. He also worked as a Consultant to the Senate Committee on Public Safety, where he analyzed legislation on law enforcement, corrections, firearms, and other criminal justice topics, advising the Senate on key policy decisions. Additionally, Cory served as a Consultant to the Assembly Committee on Transportation and worked in the offices of Senators Dick Ackerman and Dick Rainey. 

Cory earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Davis, in 1998. Outside of his professional pursuits, he enjoys spending time with his wife and son, traveling, wine tasting, and cooking. Cory’s deep legislative expertise and strategic insight make him a trusted advisor in California’s political and policy landscape. 

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Nneka Jones Tapia, Psy.D | Managing Director for Justice Initiative, Chicago Beyond

Dr. Nneka Jones Tapia is the Managing Director for Justice Initiatives at Chicago Beyond, a national philanthropic organization addressing systemic inequity through catalytic funding and community-driven solutions. Since its inception, Chicago Beyond has invested over $65 million in initiatives spanning justice, health, and systemic reform, amplifying grassroots leaders and influencing national policy. 

A clinical psychologist and former Warden of Cook County Jail, Dr. Jones Tapia is a leading advocate for mental wellness, criminal justice reform, and trauma-informed care for those impacted by America’s carceral system. As one of the first clinical psychologists to lead a correctional facility, she implemented bold strategies to promote wellness and reduce recidivism, including the Cook County Mental Health Transition Center, which has supported thousands of successful reentries and is now a national model. 

At Chicago Beyond, she collaborates with individuals impacted by incarceration to reduce incarceration and foster holistic safety in correctional systems. She led the publication of Do I Have the Right to Feel Safe?, a vision for engaging incarcerated individuals, correctional staff, and survivors of crime to improve safety and wellness. Dr. Jones Tapia continues to partner with correctional systems nationwide to implement holistic safety strategies that prioritize well-being for all involved.

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Josh Tewalt | Former Director, Idaho Department of Corrections

Josh Tewalt formerly served as the Director of the Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC), overseeing operations across nine prisons, five community reentry centers, and seven probation and parole districts. With an annual budget of $313 million and nearly 2,000 employees, IDOC is responsible for the incarceration and supervision of 25,000 individuals convicted of felonies. 

A lifelong advocate for public safety, Tewalt believes true safety comes when individuals transform their lives to become law-abiding citizens. Under his leadership, IDOC has implemented evidence-based programs aimed at equipping individuals in its care with the skills needed to succeed in their communities. He is equally dedicated to empowering IDOC’s frontline professionals, enhancing their tools, training, and compensation to improve effectiveness and safety. 

On the national stage, Tewalt has been a driving force in re-envisioning corrections. He is an active member of the Correctional Leaders Association (CLA), where he chairs the Program and Training Committee and previously led the Reentry and Community Corrections Committee. In 2022, he was elected CLA’s treasurer. 

An Idaho native, Tewalt previously held leadership roles in public service, including staff positions for two governors and a U.S. congressman. He and his wife, Chanel, run a livestock operation in Meridian, Idaho, where they live with their two children. 

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Felice Upton | Former Assistant Secretary of Juvenile Rehabilitation, Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families

Felice Upton is a distinguished government leader and public policy expert who served as Assistant Secretary at the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) in Olympia. With more than two decades of experience in juvenile justice and community engagement, she led a team of more than 1,000 Juvenile Justice Professionals, overseeing strategic initiatives to enhance public safety and youth outcomes. She is the founder of JustUs, a framework aimed at addressing the Pendulum Problem in justice reform. 

Upton’s career reflects a deep commitment to innovation and equity. As a former Superintendent at DCYF and Associate Superintendent of Programs at the Department of Corrections, she developed inclusive, evidence-based programs that strengthened community partnerships and improved service delivery. Her leadership has had a lasting impact on juvenile justice practices in Washington State. 

A recognized thought leader, Upton is Vice-Chair of the Council for Juvenile Justice Administrators and serves on the boards of Seattle University’s School of Criminal Justice and the Governor’s Partnership for Juvenile Justice Council. She also contributes to the Governor’s Reentry Council, focusing on reintegration and systemic reform. 

An advocate for education and research, Upton has been published in the Sage Journal and regularly presents at forums like the Lens of Equity Summit. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies and Sociology from the University of Washington and remains committed to advancing equitable juvenile justice practices. 

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Tim Ward | Former Commissioner, Georgia Department of Corrections; Member, Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles

Timothy C. Ward dedicated over 30 years to public service in Georgia, beginning his career in 1992 as a Correctional Officer with the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC). He progressed through the ranks, holding positions such as Counselor, Chief Counselor, Superintendent, Warden, Director of Facilities Operations, and Assistant Commissioner of Facilities. In 2016, he was promoted to Chief of Staff, and in 2018, Governor Brian Kemp appointed him as Commissioner of the GDC. 

In January 2023, Ward transitioned to the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, where he served until his retirement from state government in March 2024. Throughout his career, Ward played an integral role in advancing correctional practices and leadership in Georgia. 

Ward has been an influential voice nationally, serving as a Commissioner on the American Correctional Association’s Commission on Accreditation for Corrections. He is also an active member of professional organizations, including the Southern States Correctional Association, the Georgia Professional Association of Community Supervision, and the Correctional Leaders Association. 

Ward holds Executive and Correctional Officer certifications from the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council and completed Executive Leadership Development through the Georgia Leadership Institute. His legacy reflects a commitment to excellence and innovation in corrections and public safety. 

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