Jennifer Doleac, Ph.D., is an economist and the former Executive Vice President of Criminal Justice at Arnold Ventures. She is the author of “The Science of Second Chances” and host of the Probable Causation podcast. Before joining Arnold Ventures, Doleac spent over a decade as an economics professor, working on academic research on crime and discrimination.

Doleac is a leading expert on the economics of crime, and a vocal proponent of using rigorous research to inform policy. Her research addresses topics such as DNA databases, prosecutorial reform, risk assessment algorithms, and the unintended consequences of “ban the box” policies. Doleac’s work has been supported by several governmental and philanthropic organizations, and her research has been published in leading academic journals including the Quarterly Journal of Economics, the Review of Economics and Statistics, and the Journal of Labor Economics. She is frequently quoted in the media about criminal justice research and policy.

Doleac holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Stanford University, and a B.A. in Economics and Mathematics from Williams College. She lives in Houston with her dog, Chula.

Nicholas "Nick" Bricker has served as the Chief of Community Safety and Stability for the Utah Department of Corrections since March 2026. Bricker began his career with the Department in 2006 as a correctional officer. He transferred to the Transportation Unit and later to Utah Highway Patrol, where he became a senior operator with the Joint Special Operations Group and was ultimately promoted to Lieutenant. In 2021, Bricker transferred to UHP Headquarters, where he oversaw multi-million-dollar grants and budgetary responsibilities. He also served as UHP’s Accreditation Manager, leading the agency to its first successful accreditation. In 2024, he was elected Chair of the Planning and Policy Section of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, representing peers from 49 state police agencies.

Nicholas "Nick" Bricker has served as the Chief of Community Safety and Stability for the Utah Department of Corrections since March 2026. Bricker began his career with the Department in 2006 as a correctional officer. He transferred to the Transportation Unit and later to Utah Highway Patrol, where he became a senior operator with the Joint Special Operations Group and was ultimately promoted to Lieutenant. In 2021, Bricker transferred to UHP Headquarters, where he oversaw multi-million-dollar grants and budgetary responsibilities. He also served as UHP’s Accreditation Manager, leading the agency to its first successful accreditation. In 2024, he was elected Chair of the Planning and Policy Section of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, representing peers from 49 state police agencies.

Spencer Turley was appointed Deputy Commissioner of the Utah Department of Corrections in March 2025. He started his career with the Utah Department of Corrections in 2003 as a correctional officer at the Utah State Prison in Draper and later served as an officer, field training officer, sergeant and firearms training coordinator. He also held key oversight roles in the DPO Transportation Unit and Training Academy, after which served as Regional Administrator for Adult Probation and Parole. He later served as Director of the Division of Prison Operations before his appointment prior to Assistant Deputy Executive Director. Turley has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in psychology from Weber State University and a master’s degree in public service from Utah Valley University.

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.

Nicholas J. Deml is the court-appointed Nunez Remediation Manager overseeing reform of the New York City jail system and founder of Everly Bly & Co., an advisory firm supporting leaders navigating crisis, constitutional oversight and complex operational change. Previously, Deml served as Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Corrections, where he led reforms focused on workforce stabilization, operational modernization and reentry innovation. Earlier in his career, he served as a clandestine intelligence officer at the CIA and as an attorney and policy advisor in the United States Senate.

Alexandria Maldonado serves as Assistant Commissioner with the New York City Department of Correction, leading the Department’s involvement in the Borough-Based Jails and Outposted Therapeutic Housing Unit programs. She has more than a decade of experience with the Department, with leadership roles spanning strategic planning, correctional operations, policy and organizational reform, training, compliance and internal investigations. Most recently, Maldonado led operational planning and activation of the Department’s new 104-bed Outposted Therapeutic Housing Unit at Bellevue Hospital, its first new correctional facility in more than 30 years.

Stanley Richards was appointed Commissioner of the New York City Department of Correction in February 2026. A formerly incarcerated man with decades of experience in the criminal justice field, Richards previously served as president and CEO of The Fortune Society, where he advanced reentry services and alternatives to incarceration. He later served as First Deputy Commissioner of the New York City Department of Correction, becoming the first formerly incarcerated individual to hold a senior leadership role within the agency. Richards was also the first formerly incarcerated person appointed to the New York City Board of Correction.

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.

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.

Richard Comerford is the Secretary of the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC). Secretary Comerford has more than 40 years of correctional experience, most recently serving as FDC’s Deputy Secretary, where he provided executive oversight for the nation’s third-largest correctional system. Secretary Comerford began his career with FDC in 1986 as a correctional officer at Okaloosa Correctional Institution. He has held a broad range of supervisory, investigative and command roles throughout his career, including Assistant Deputy Secretary of Institutions and multiple warden and assistant warden assignments across the state.
Secretary Comerford holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminology from the University of Florida and is an active member of the American Correctional Association, Florida Sheriffs Association and North American Association of Wardens & Superintendents.

As the Director of the Idaho Department of Correction, Derrick takes a purpose-driven approach to implementing operational changes that enhance public safety outcomes for Idahoans.
Derrick has served as the IDOC deputy director since 2019 and has played an instrumental role in the department’s rise as a national model for correctional systems. She has overseen the divisions of probation and parole, prisons and management services. Derrick led the department’s staffing efforts, generating national recognition for industry best practices in recruitment and retention. With over 20 years of experience in corrections and behavioral health systems, she is nationally recognized for her expertise in evidence-based practices and crime reduction strategies.
Before joining IDOC, Derrick worked at the Justice Center. While at the Justice Center, she assisted more than a dozen state correctional agencies in planning and implementing large-scale efforts to instill correctional best practices. She began her career with the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Health, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals, later working at a private psychiatric hospital and the Rhode Island Department of Corrections. During her 10 years with RIDOC, she held roles as a researcher and mental health clinician.
Derrick is a licensed mental health counselor with a master’s degree in counseling and a certificate of advanced graduate study in mental health counseling. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and biking in the Boise foothills.

Ken Hyle brings more than 30 years of experience in adult corrections and executive leadership to his role as Vice President, Correctional Services at The Moss Group (TMG). Previously, he served as General Counsel/Assistant Director for the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), overseeing legal training and practice areas including correctional law, litigation, policy development, government contracting and ethics.
Hyle began his BOP career in 1994, serving in correctional facilities, regional offices and agency headquarters. His responsibilities included agency litigation, staff investigations, employment and labor-management issues, policy development and stakeholder engagement. He also served on the U.S. Attorney General’s committee that drafted Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) regulations and supported their implementation within the federal system.
At TMG, Hyle has led system-wide assessments, facility operational reviews, strategic planning and leadership development initiatives. He received two Distinguished Service awards from a U.S. Attorney General and was appointed to the federal Senior Executive Service. Hyle earned a bachelor’s degree from Boston University and attended law school at George Washington University.

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.

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.

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.

Stephen Carter is the founder and Executive Vice President of CGL, a globally recognized planning, design and facility infrastructure company with six U.S. offices. With more than 50 years of experience, Carter has led technical studies in needs assessment, operational and architectural programming, design review, program management, and policy evaluation for justice facilities worldwide. His expertise encompasses courthouses, correctional institutions and law enforcement installations, emphasizing the functional integration of justice system components. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Carter spearheaded pro bono efforts to develop an emergency clinic for Haiti’s National Penitentiary, collaborating with an international team to repurpose United Nations-provided building modules into a functional infirmary. He also served as a subject-matter advisor to the Washington, D.C., Mayor’s Task Force on Jails and Justice, demonstrating his commitment to equitable and innovative justice solutions. Carter holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Clemson University and a master’s degree in urban design and planning from the Architectural Association in London. A charter board member and current chair of the International Corrections and Prisons Association’s Planning and Design Network, Carter continues to shape the justice field through thought leadership and advocacy. His dedication to “doing the right thing” drives his mission to break silos and create cohesive criminal justice systems.

Nina Gladstone is a Principal at AECOM and serves as a Senior Program Manager and Program-wide Design and Technical Lead for New York City's $16 billion Borough-Based Jails Program. With more than 25 years of experience planning, designing and delivering justice facilities, she has led multidisciplinary teams on some of the nation's most complex public-sector and correctional infrastructure projects.
Throughout her career, Nina has specialized in the development of innovative, secure and human-centered justice environments that support rehabilitation, operational efficiency, safety and community integration. Her expertise spans program management, architectural design leadership, stakeholder engagement and the coordination of large-scale capital programs involving multiple agencies and project partners.
Nina is recognized for her collaborative leadership style, strategic vision and commitment to delivering high-quality civic projects that create lasting public value.

Gerry Guerrero serves as Global Director of Justice for HDR’s award-winning architecture practice, bringing more than 30 years of expertise in justice design, planning and project management. With a career spanning influential roles at HOK, CGL, and Dewberry, Guerrero has developed deep knowledge of alternative delivery methods for large-scale projects while serving local, state, federal and private clients. At HDR, Guerrero focuses on advancing social and restorative justice, with a particular emphasis on behavioral health within the justice system. His work champions community-centered and restorative design, aiming to deliver thoughtful, impactful solutions for civic clients worldwide. His leadership has been recognized by the American Institute of Architects’ Academy of Architecture for Justice and the Design-Build Institute of America. As a thought leader, Guerrero regularly writes for industry publications. His passion lies in designing for positive outcomes and supporting state and county governments in creating exceptional facilities for a wide range of end users. His commitment to innovation and client satisfaction ensures HDR remains at the forefront of civic and justice design globally.

Jeff Jenkins is a Group Manager and Vice President with JE Dunn Construction, based in Kansas City. A LEED Accredited Professional with more than two decades of experience at JE Dunn, Jeff specializes in leading complex justice and corrections projects from early planning through completion.
Known for advocating for his teams, clients, and communities, Jeff brings a collaborative, solutions-driven approach to every engagement. He helps establish project vision, scope, schedule, and budget; aligns diverse stakeholders; and focuses teams on delivering optimum value. His portfolio includes correctional and detention projects across the country, his leadership reflects a commitment to preparation, accountability, and developing others.
Originally from Savannah, Ga., Jeff received his MS in construction management from North Carolina A&T State University.

Buddy Johns, president of ModCorr, brings more than 36 years of expertise in construction, manufacturing and real estate operations to the IKC. His career is defined by leadership in large-scale corrections and industrial projects, focusing on project management, corporate operations, strategy, cost containment, and merger and acquisition analysis. Known for his ability to build professional relationships across industries, Johns excels in fostering connections with investors, contractors, clients and executives.
Prior to leading ModCorr, Johns held key leadership roles, including vice president of business development at Coastal Detention Holdings, CEO and president at Argyle Security Group, and managing director of real estate at CGL Management Group. His diverse expertise spans corrections construction, government contracting, infrastructure services, facility management and real estate development.

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.

Greg Schumann is the Principal/Founder of Gibraltar Consulting, a strategic consulting firm providing executive problem-solving solutions. Since the launch of the company in 2021, Gibraltar has engaged with 30 different clients across eight industry sectors. As the leader of Gibraltar Consulting, Greg prides the organization and himself on providing actionable solutions, focusing on outcomes over output, and consistently delivering ROI.
A key area of focus has been working with both adult corrections and juvenile justice systems. Efforts in this area have entailed work with state and federal agencies, while also consulting with CLA, ACA and CJJA on a variety of issues ranging from impactfully addressing staffing shortages to organizational reengineering and improvement. Additionally, Greg has provided crisis management consultation to numerous agencies.
Prior to launching Gibraltar Consulting, Greg served as the Chief Strategy Officer for a communications company that specialized in crisis management, and prior to that, enjoyed a 24-year career running magazines and media divisions, where he garnered numerous industry awards.
Based in Birmingham, Ala., Greg currently serves on the advisory board and guest lectures at UAB’s Department of Marketing, Industrial Distribution and Economics, serves as an advisor to Samford University’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and in 2025 was appointed by Governor Ivey as the Vice-Chairman of the Alabama State Workforce Board.

Mike Smith has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of SteelCell since 2005, leading the company’s growth into a premier manufacturer specializing in detention products. Under his leadership, SteelCell has become the nation’s largest producer of permanent prefabricated steel cells and related products, serving both national and international markets. With more than 170 employees and a 300,000-square-foot campus in Baldwin, Ga., SteelCell produces an average of 18 units per day, setting a high standard for quality and efficiency in the industry.
Before joining SteelCell, Smith was the Vice President and Chief Operations Officer at Habersham Metal Products, gaining extensive experience in operations management and manufacturing excellence. Over his career, Smith has contributed to more than 500 detention projects, providing innovative solutions that meet the unique needs of correctional facilities.

Jeff Goodale leads HOK’s global Justice practice from Chicago, bringing more than 35 years of experience in the programming, planning, design and construction of complex justice facilities. His expertise spans courthouses, detention and correctional centers, police facilities, crime labs, emergency operations centers and reintegration facilities. Goodale is deeply committed to improving justice environments through evidence-based design, innovative technologies and sustainable practices that enhance the lives of those impacted by the justice system.
Goodale views justice facilities as critical infrastructure, emphasizing safer, more effective and humane designs that respect human rights while supporting operational efficiency. He has overseen justice projects ranging from 50 to more than 3,000 beds, collaborating with state, county and federal agencies. His recent projects include new replacement facilities in Indianapolis, Detroit and Nashville, Ky., as well as a mental health hospital for the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Jordan M. Hyatt is a professor in the Department of Criminology and Justice Studies, and serves as director of the Center for Public Policy, at Drexel University. Hyatt’s research in corrections andr eentry focuses on the evaluation of innovative criminal justice interventions with an emphasis on randomized experiments. Through the program assessments with strong partnerships with practitioners, Hyatt works to develop effective and actionable criminal justice policies. Hyatt’s work is relevant for agencies with policy agendas focused on improving reintegration, public safety, and implementing evidence-based policies.

Lisa Graves has served as the Superintendent for Centralized Services at the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections’ SCI Cambridge Springs, a state correctional institution for women, since 2024.Graves began her career in criminal justice in 2000 as a Research Policy Analyst with the Civic Institute. In 2001, she served briefly as a Mental Health Therapist working with female juveniles at a residential placement facility before becoming an Adult Probation/Parole Officer in Erie County, Pa.
In May 2007, Graves joined the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections as a Corrections Counselor at SCI Cambridge Springs. In November 2009, she transferred to SCI Mercer, where she was promoted to Unit Manager in March 2010. During her time as a Unit Manager, she worked on the Intake Unit, served as coordinator for the CARE Dog Program, and played an instrumental role in the development and opening of SCI Mercer’s Veterans Service Unit and Transitional Housing Unit. She remained a Unit Manager until her promotion to Corrections Classification and Program Manager in May 2018. In 2020, Graves returned to SCI Cambridge Springs as Deputy Superintendent for Centralized Services before her promotion to Superintendent in 2024.