Elections

Title: Division Director, Pretrial Services

Location: Arizona Superior Court in Pima County

Email Address: dcorona@napsa.org

Candidate Statement:

My name is Domingo Corona, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for the position of Vice President of the National Association of Pretrial Services Agencies Board of Directors.  

I feel my experience in the pretrial justice field and as a member of the NAPSA Board makes me a good candidate for the vice present role.  I have been the Director of Pretrial Services for the Arizona Superior Court of Pima County for the past 12 years, and I have filled a leadership role in Pretrial Services for 27 years of my 28-year employment with the division and the court.  I also am a member of the Arizona Administrative Office of the Court’s Pretrial Services Committee, and I co-lead an informal Pretrial Executive’s Network in the state.  In addition to my work in Arizona, I have served as a member of the National Institute of Corrections’ (NIC) Pretrial Executives Network since 2015, and in 2017, I was appointed to the National Association of Pretrial Services Agency’s (NAPSA) Board of Directors, representing the Southwest as a Regional Director.  I was later appointed to and subsequently elected to serve as the Treasurer.  Since January 2026, I have been filling the Vice President role due to a vacancy.  With NAPSA, I have either acted as a chair or served in an advisory capacity as a Board Liaison for the Communications Committee and the newly reinstated Diversion Committee.  I also am currently leading a work group to develop a new Judicial Training track for the national conference.  Other involvements I have include brief participation in NRI’s Mental Health/Criminal Justice Research Center Advisory Council and the MacArthur Foundation’s Safety and Justice Challenge Pretrial Risk Management Project.  Moreover, I joined Advancing Pretrial Policy & Research’s (APPR) Pretrial Practitioner Network as a member.  One of my proudest accomplishments is work in providing training for the pretrial field.  I have led numerous training sessions at annual NAPSA National Training Conferences, the National Association of Court Management Training Conference, and the MacArthur Foundation Safety and Justice Challenge convenings.  I have also provided justice-related training for the Arizona Court Manager and Arizona Court Supervisor Programs, the National Center for State Courts (held in Maine), Administrative Offices of the Court in New Mexico, Kentucky and Michigan, the National Institute of Corrections, the California Association of Pretrial Services Agencies, the State of Oregon and the Texas Association of Pretrial Services Agencies. 

I hope you agree that I have the experience to match the passion I have for the pretrial field and will support me with your vote for the role of Vice President.  I will work hard to further pretrial justice and be responsive to both NAPSA members and anyone else in the field who I can partner with to enhance our justice system.  

Thank you! 

Title:  Senior Manager

Location: Center for Effective Public Policy

Email Address: tblair@napsa.org

Candidate Statement:

Tara Boh Blair

Senior Manager, Center for Effective Public Policy

Current NAPSA Treasurer

tblair@cepp.com

Dear NAPSA Members,

It is with great honor that I submit my candidacy to continue serving as Treasurer of the National Association of Pretrial Services Agencies (NAPSA). I was appointed to this position in January 2026, and I am eager to earn your vote to carry that work forward for a full term.

I began my career in pretrial services in 1995 as a Pretrial Officer working the night shift in Fayette County, Kentucky. That early, hands-on experience shaped how I think about this field to this day, and it carried me through the ranks until I became Director of Kentucky's statewide pretrial services program in 2008. In 2009, I expanded into national and international training and technical assistance, helping jurisdictions across the country implement evidence-based reforms. After retiring from the Kentucky Court of Justice in 2021, I continued that work as a Senior Manager with the Center for Effective Public Policy, where I still support jurisdictions nationwide on pretrial and justice-system initiatives.

I attended my first NAPSA conference in 1995 and have considered this organization a professional home ever since. I've had the privilege of serving as Midwest Region Director from January 2024 to January 2026, and I was honored to be appointed Treasurer this past January. In 2021, NAPSA recognized me with the Olgiati Award, a distinction that means a great deal to me given how much this organization has shaped my career.

Over three decades in this field — at the local, state, national, and international levels — I've learned that sound financial stewardship is what allows an organization to keep doing its real work: training, standards, mentorship, and support for practitioners on the front lines. I bring that same practitioner's perspective, and the same attention to detail, to NAPSA's finances. I'd be honored to continue in this role, and I ask for your vote to do so.

With gratitude,

Tara Boh Blair

Title:  Professional Development Manager

Location: Supreme Court of Illinois Judicial College

Email Address: aburdick@illinoiscourts.gov

Candidate Statement:

Fellow NAPSA Members & Colleagues,

I am honored to accept a candidacy request for Midwest Region Director on the National Association of Pretrial Services Agencies (NAPSA) Board of Directors. Throughout my 14-year career, I have been privileged to serve in a variety of roles within the justice system, including as a Probation/Pretrial Officer, Director of Probation & Court Services, and now as a Judicial Education Professional. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the critical role pretrial professionals play in advancing justice, promoting public safety, and strengthening confidence in our courts.

The Midwest has long been home to innovative ideas, dedicated practitioners, and collaborative partnerships. I believe our region has an opportunity not only to continue learning from one another, but also to help shape the national conversation on pretrial justice. If elected, I will work to ensure that the voices, challenges, and successes of practitioners across Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and Wisconsin are represented and elevated at the national level. My commitment to NAPSA extends beyond my daily work. I currently serve on the NAPSA Education Committee and previously served as Vice Chair of the Education Committee from 2023-2025, where I have had the opportunity to collaborate with outstanding professionals from across the country to develop meaningful educational opportunities for our members. Through this role, I have seen firsthand the value of bringing together diverse perspectives, sharing promising practices, and creating learning experiences that strengthen our profession. I have also earned designation as a NAPSA Certified Pretrial Services Professional (CPSP), reflecting my commitment to the highest professional standards within our field.

Professionally, I serve as a Professional Development Manager with the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC) Illinois Supreme Court Judicial College Division, where I design and deliver educational programs for judges, pretrial professionals, and court leaders. My portfolio includes managing the pretrial education portfolio for the Supreme Court of Illinois Judicial College Committee on Pretrial Education (CPTE). I was heavily involved in preparing our Judges and Justice System Partners through continuing education opportunities for the implementation of Public Act 101-0652 and 102-1104 commonly known as the Safety, Accountability, Fairness, and Equity- Today (SAFE-T) Act’s pretrial provisions generally referred to as the Pretrial Fairness Act (PFA). Additionally, I facilitated the foundational education onboarding for the newly developed Illinois Office of Statewide Pretrial Services (OSPS) staff in 2022 on best practices in pretrial services. During the past several years, I have presented hundreds of educational sessions at national, regional, and state conferences on topics including pretrial services, evidence-based practices, adult learning, leadership, technology, and workforce management. Some of these opportunities include the 2023 NAPSA Conference, 2024 Texas Association of Pretrial Services Conference, and during the 2024 NAPSA Conference as a webinar, thanks Hurricane Francine. Prior to the AOIC, I was a Chief Managing Officer and Director of Court Services in Illinois. While Chief Managing Officer and Director of Court Services, I developed the Pretrial Services Program for Shelby County and received local and state funding before the implementation of OSPS. These experiences have reinforced my belief that education, collaboration, and strong professional networks are among the most powerful tools we have for improving outcomes in the justice system.

If elected as Midwest Region Director, my priorities will include:

• Strengthening regional engagement by fostering meaningful connections among practitioners throughout the Midwest. This will be conducted through quarterly region meetings where we can gather to discuss topics that directly affect our region.

• Increasing communication between regional members and the NAPSA Board so that local successes, emerging challenges, and innovative practices are consistently shared.

• Supporting professional development by encouraging participation in NAPSA educational opportunities and identifying resources that help agencies of all sizes succeed. This includes additional support for expanding our Judicial education opportunities under NAPSA.

• Creating opportunities for collaboration among practitioners, administrators, researchers, and justice partners to promote continuous improvement across our region. The NASPA Pretrial Fundamentals Curriculum, managed and provided by the NAPSA Education Committee, is a great resource for members across the Midwest Region. If elected Midwest Region Director, I would like to advocate for collaboration opportunities among the individualized state specific pretrial officer associations to offer this curriculum locally and build our partnership associations. 

• Listening first. Every jurisdiction faces unique opportunities and challenges. I believe effective leadership begins by listening, understanding local perspectives, and ensuring every member has a voice.

Our profession continues to evolve rapidly. As pretrial agencies navigate changing legislation, emerging research, technological advances, and workforce development challenges, strong regional leadership has never been more important. I believe NAPSA is uniquely positioned to support its members through these changes by fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and advocating for excellence in pretrial best practices. I would be honored to represent the Midwest and to serve as a resource, connector, and advocate for our region. Whether you work in a large metropolitan jurisdiction or a smaller rural community, your experiences matter, and your voice deserves representation. Thank you for your continued dedication to the pretrial profession and for considering my candidacy. I respectfully ask for your support in the upcoming election, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside each of you to strengthen our profession and advance the mission of NAPSA.

Thank you for your consideration.

Aaron Burdick, CPSP

Candidate for NAPSA Midwest Region Director

Title:  Pretrial Services Administrator

Location: Douglas County Department of Corrections, Omaha, NE

Email Address: tyrone.harper@douglascounty-ne.gov

Candidate Statement:

To the Members of the National Association of Pretrial Services Agencies (NAPSA):

It is with great honor and a deep commitment to our profession that I submit my statement of candidacy for the position of Midwest Region Director for the NAPSA Board of Directors. Having served the pretrial field for ten years, I am excited and motivated to bring my experience, leadership, and passion for pretrial justice to this national role.

Professional Background and Leadership

Currently, I serve as the Pretrial Services Administrator for the Douglas County Department of Corrections in Omaha, Nebraska. In this capacity, I oversee the administrative and operational facets of pretrial services, ensuring that our practices align with the core principles of pretrial justice and public safety. My role includes managing complex program needs, collaborating with judicial stakeholders, and advocating for evidence-based decision-making within the criminal justice system.

As an active member of NAPSA and Nebraska State (NAPSA) Representative, I have seen firsthand the impact of our collective work. I believe that my experience as an administrator and leading vast pretrial changes in a large county system provides me with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing pretrial agencies across the Midwest.

Vision for the Midwest Region

If elected as the Midwest Region Director, my primary goal will be to serve as a strong, responsive bridge between the NAPSA Board and the practitioners in our region. I am committed to:

• Regional Advocacy: Working directly with members across the Midwest to ensure their voices, concerns, and innovations are represented at the national level.

• Promoting Best Practices: Continuing to champion the use of rational, evidence-informed pretrial practices that balance Constitutional liberty of the individuals we serve, with community safety.  Helping gather data to assist in crafting GPS/EM standards for jurisdictions across the country.

• Membership Engagement: Providing regular updates on regional activities and coordinating with affiliate states to grow and strengthen our professional network.

• Active Collaboration: Participating fully in Board meetings, committee work, and annual planning efforts to further the NAPSA mission.

Commitment to Service

The role of a Director requires a focused commitment of time and energy. I am fully prepared to dedicate the necessary hours each month to Board duties, participate in monthly calls, and travel for semi-annual Board meetings. I pride myself on being an attentive volunteer who willingly accepts assignments and completes them thoroughly and on time.

My goal is to build strong working relationships that contribute to sustainable progress for our organization. I believe that the future of pretrial services depends on strong leadership that is grounded in experience and dedicated to the success of every member in our field while helping to build credible pretrial agencies that focus on evidence - based decision making and the core values of pretrial justice.

Thank you for your consideration and for the opportunity to serve the Midwest Region.

Respectfully submitted,

Tyrone Allen Harper, II

Pretrial Services Administrator

Douglas County Department of Corrections

Title:  Administrator

Location: JusticePoint

Email Address: nleicht@justicepoint.org

Candidate Statement:

I am announcing my candidacy for Midwest Regional Director on the National Association  of Pretrial Services Board of Directors. I am currently involved in the NAPSA Diversion Committee and previously contributed to the creation of Diversion Standards for the State  of Wisconsin. 

I work at JusticePoint as the Administrator and oversee our programming in Michigan,

Minnesota, and Wisconsin. I see this as an advantage for the Midwest Regional Director, as  I am already connected to and have knowledge of the pretrial systems in three of the ten Midwest states. I have developed a collaborative group of Program Directors at JusticePoint  who work together to improve their jurisdictions’ pretrial systems. I envision creating a similar collaborative network in this role.

I am committed to the work of pretrial services and believe strongly that the majority of  individuals should be in the community connecting with the resources and stabilization  they need, as opposed to being incarcerated.  I see the role of pretrial screening, assessment, and case management as identifying and connecting individuals to those  services, in addition to monitoring the conditions set by the court. We will not see successful pretrial outcomes unless we are addressing basic needs and the barriers that  keep people from appearing for court and stuck in the cycle of recidivism.

If I am elected to be the Midwest Regional Director, I will work to connect the Midwest

states in sharing and learning about what is working for each of them, what challenges they  are facing, and promote creative solutions to help their pretrial programs thrive. We have so  much to learn from one another and in this role I want to help facilitate that information

sharing.

I also want to work with the other Board members and the Diversion Committee to

continue strengthening the Diversion track oferings at the annual conference and update  the Diversion Standards. 

I would be honored to receive your vote and will represent the good work being done in the  Midwest Region on the NAPSA Board.  

Title:  Director

Location: Hamilton County (IN) Pretrial Services

Email Address: cj.miller@hamiltoncounty.in.gov

Candidate Statement:

I have a strong belief in the presumption of innocence, accountability, offering rehabilitative services, maximizing release, maximizing court appearance and maximizing  public safety. In 2016, my county was one of the 11 pilot counties in the State of Indiana to  work on the pretrial release initiative with the Indiana Offie of Court Services and the National Institute of Corrections. My role was supervising the staffand creating the policies and processes for our county. In July 2022, I was appointed as the Director of Pretrial Services by the local judiciary after serving 24 years as a probation oficer for our adult and  juvenile courts.

I currently serve as the Treasurer for the Executive Board on the Indiana Coalition of Court  Certifid Programs, Pretrial Representative on the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Offie  Domestic Violence Task Force and Pretrial Representative on the Hamilton County Justice  Reinvestment Advisory Counsel.

My previous board experience includes roles as the District 5 Representative (4 years) and  Treasurer (6 years) for the Probation Oficers Professional Association of Indiana, Liaison (2  years) to the Indiana Offie of Court Services Probation Oficer Advisory Board, and Liaison  Proxy to the State Justice Reinvestment Advisory Board.

It would be a privilege to serve the Midwest in the role of Region Director. I am a champion  for pretrial assessment, release and supervision and would love the opportunity to assist  other agencies in creating and/or improving their pretrial service programs. I am adamantly  against pretrial systems where the ability to post a money bond is the determining factor as  to whether or not a defendant remains incarcerated or is released pending the outcome of  their case.

NAPSA is a very important organization with a mission that needs to be heard around the  country and where buy-in is of the utmost importance. I would greatly appreciate the

opportunity to serve on the board where I can use my expertise, experience and skills to do  everything I can to help NAPSA achieve its goals.

Collaborating with other pretrial stakeholders in my region and from across the nation is a  wonderful opportunity to learn, teach, and share successes, challenges, and new ideas

with one another. The opportunity to represent you and serve on the NAPSA Board would be  an honor. Thanks for considering my 28 years of criminal justice experience and commitment to pretrial justice when you cast your vote for Midwest Region Director.

CJ Miller

Director

Hamilton County Pretrial Services Noblesville, IN

Title:  Director

Location: Galveston County Personal Bond, Magistrate Court and Collections

Email Address: aaron.johnson@galvestoncountytx.gov

Candidate Statement:

To My NAPSA Colleagues and Friends across the Southern Region:

I am writing to formally share that I am submitting my candidacy to serve as your NAPSA Southern Region Director.

Over the past several years, I have had the privilege of serving our field on a national scale as Chair of the NAPSA Education Committee and as a regular speaker at our Annual Conference. In this new role as Southern Region Director, I plan to dedicate my full energy to this board seat.  I assure you my commitment to advancing legal and evidence-based practices, practitioner support, and professional development remains stronger than ever.

As Director of Personal Bond, Magistrate Court, and Collections in Galveston County, Texas—and current President of the Texas Association of Pretrial Services (TAPS)—I experience the daily realities, regulatory challenges, and operational demands of our region firsthand. The Southern region represents a dynamic and diverse group of pretrial agencies and as your regional representative, my priority will be ensuring our agencies have a strong, active voice on the national board.

If elected to represent the Southern Region, my focus will be on:

Elevating Regional Voices: Serving as a direct liaison between local county/state practitioners and NAPSA leadership to ensure our unique operational and policy challenges continue to shape national standards.

Expanding Professional Development: Leveraging my deep background in curriculum and education to deliver accessible, practical training, coaching-model frameworks, and staff wellness resources directly to agencies in our region.  I know many of you have also attended our Texas Association state conference and we look to expand our network there as well.

Fostering Cross-Agency Collaboration: Building stronger networks across Southern state associations and pretrial leaders to share operational workarounds, legal and evidence-based solutions, and implementation strategies.

It has been an honor serving NAPSA through the Education Committee, and I am excited about the opportunity to bring that same energy, dedication, and collaborative leadership to representing you on the Board of Directors.

I welcome your feedback, ideas, and conversation as we work together to advance pretrial justice across the Southern Region.

Warm regards,

Aaron Johnson

Director - Personal Bond, Magistrate Court and Collections | Galveston County, TX

President, Texas Association of Pretrial Services (TAPS)

Education Committee Chair, National Association of Pretrial Services (NAPSA)

2019 NAPSA Member of the Year

Candidate for NAPSA Southern Region Director

Title:  Chief U.S. Pretrial Services Officer (Retired)

Location: U.S. Courts, Northern IL

Email Address: agarcia@napsa.org

Candidate Statement:

Colleagues, partners, and members of the National Association of Pretrial Services Agencies,

I am honored to announce my candidacy for the position of Federal Director with NAPSA. Throughout my career, I have been committed to strengthening pretrial justice, advancing evidence informed practices, and supporting the professionals who carry out this work every day. I am seeking this role because I believe deeply in NAPSA’s mission and in the collective power of our pretrial community to shape a fairer and more effective pretrial system.

Over the past several years, I have had the privilege of working alongside practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and system leaders across the country. These experiences have reinforced a simple truth: pretrial justice matters. Federal policy, national standards, and cross jurisdictional collaboration are increasingly central to how local systems evolve. NAPSA’s voice — and the voices of its members — must be strong, informed, and present at every level of federal dialogue.

As Federal Director, I will bring a leadership approach grounded in three core commitments:

• Strengthening the connection between federal policy and local practice. Federal guidance, funding streams, and national initiatives have tremendous influence on how pretrial systems operate. My priority will be ensuring that NAPSA members have a clear, consistent, and accessible channel to understand federal developments — and that federal partners hear directly from the professionals who implement pretrial services every day. I will work to help elevate practitioner perspectives, highlight operational realities, and ensure that federal conversations reflect the diversity of jurisdictions and experiences across the country.

• Advancing evidence informed, constitutionally sound pretrial practices. NAPSA has long championed standards rooted in research, fairness, and the Constitution. I will continue that tradition by promoting federal engagement that supports validated tools, high quality supervision practices, data transparency, and meaningful system performance measures. My goal is to help ensure that federal partners recognize and reinforce what works — and that NAPSA members have the resources and support needed to implement those practices effectively.

• Building stronger national collaboration and communication. The challenges facing pretrial systems are complex, and no single agency or jurisdiction can solve them alone. As Federal Director, I will prioritize building bridges between federal entities, national organizations, and local practitioners. I will work to expand opportunities for NAPSA members to participate in federal initiatives, contribute to national conversations, and share innovations that can inform policy and practice nationwide.

I am running for this position because I believe NAPSA’s federal leadership must be proactive, strategic, and deeply connected to the realities of the field. I bring experience in system design, policy development, and practitioner engagement — but more importantly, I bring a commitment to listening, learning, and representing our community with integrity and purpose.

NAPSA’s strength has always come from its members: the professionals who show up every day to support individuals, protect constitutional rights, and help courts make informed decisions. If elected, I will work tirelessly to ensure your voices shape federal priorities, your expertise informs national standards, and your needs guide the direction of our association’s federal engagement.

I am grateful for the support, mentorship, and collaboration I have received from so many of you throughout my career. I would be honored to continue serving our community in this expanded role. Thank you for your consideration, your trust, and your ongoing commitment to advancing pretrial justice nationwide.

Respectfully,

Amanda Garcia (Chief Northern District of Illinois, retired)

Candidate for Federal Director National Association of Pretrial Services Agencies

The Vice President supports the President and assumes leadership duties when the President is unavailable. 

Responsibilities include: 

• Perform the duties of the President in the President’s absence or incapacity 
• Support the President in carrying out leadership and governance responsibilities 
• Take on special assignments or strategic initiatives as requested by the President 

The Treasurer oversees the financial affairs of the association, including monitoring financial reports, budgets, and internal controls, and reporting regularly to the board on the organization’s financial status. The Treasurer helps ensure responsible stewardship of the association’s resources and compliance with applicable financial policies and regulations. 

Responsibilities include: 

• Oversees the financial affairs of the association and ensures accurate financial records are maintained. 
• Reviews and presents regular financial reports, including budget-to-actuals, to the board. 
• Works with staff or management to develop the annual budget and monitor financial performance. 
• Helps ensure appropriate financial controls, audits or reviews, and compliance with applicable laws and policies. 

Region Directors, including Federal Directors will have duties including, but not limited to, working directly with members in their region and providing regular updates to the Board regarding regional activity. Directors serve a three-year term (to end December 31, 2029).

Open Positions for the 2026 Elections:

Midwest Region Director 

• Must be a practitioner in one of the following jurisdictions: Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Wisconsin

Southern Region Director 

• Must be a practitioner in one of the following jurisdictions: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Texas

Federal Director

• Must be a practitioner within federal pretrial services

Specific duties for regional directors include, but are not limited to: 

• Work directly with members in assigned region
• Provide regular updates to members regarding regional activity
• Coordinate membership with affiliate states
• Regularly attend Board meetings and important related meetings
• Make serious commitment to participate actively in committee work
• Volunteer for and willingly accept assignments and complete them thoroughly and on time
• Stay informed about committee matters, prepare for meetings, and review and comment on minutes and reports
• Build a collegial working relationship that contributes to consensus
• Be an active participant in annual evaluation and planning efforts
• Participate in fund raising for the organization when/where applicable.