News & Announcements
February 21, 2023: President’s Message
Good day, Corrections Professionals!
The CTA board has just wrapped up our winter board meeting in beautiful Scottsdale, AZ. We had a significant number of submissions for the summit workshops this year. After careful deliberation, we have approved an exciting and engaging list of workshops that will be presented at the summit. If you submitted a workshop, you can expect those notifications will go out soon. I am looking forward to the variety of workshops that will be presented this year.
Speaking of the summit… June is fast approaching!! Please make sure you register and make your travel arrangements soon. I have included a link to the general schedule in this email in case you need it for travel approval. I look forward to seeing everyone in sunny Scottsdale, AZ.
https://www.correctionstech.org/annual-summit
Please see the link for the quick reference agenda guide.
Have a great day.
Zacc Allen
President, Corrections Technology Association
+ December 2023: President's Message
Correctional Practitioners and Business Partners,
On behalf of the CTA board, we wish all of you a happy holiday season. Thanks to each of you for all that you do to enhance the corrections profession. Thank you for choosing a profession that serves others and improves public safety.
I hope each of you enjoys time this season with those that are special to you. I know many of you will be working through the holidays as our business never shuts down. Just know we at CTA appreciate you and thank you for your service.
Happy Holidays,
Zacc Allen
President
Corrections Technology Association
+ September 2023: President's Message
Fellow CTA Practitioners and Business Partners,
The CTA Board recently met in Orlando, Florida for our yearly Fall board meeting. I must admit it's still quite hot in Orlando during this time of the year but nonetheless, we had a very successful board meeting. We continue to plan for the Summit coming up in Scottdale, AR. Please mark your calendars for June 23-26, 2024. We are returning to the Hilton property which has gone under some renovations. We are working on a great lineup of sessions which will be based on the latest trends, CTA Survey, and level of interest we have seen on our listserv. We also, plan on a great exhibit hall of vendor services and products. There are many other activities planned during the year that I hope will further the communication and networking between partitioners and our business partners.
I look forward to speaking with you all as we continue to advance our industry.
Thank you,
Zacc Allen
President – CTA
+ May 30, 2023: President's Message
Good day, Correctional Professionals,
The CTA Summit is fast approaching! We have had many vendors and practitioners sign up for this year’s summit. All vendor booths have been booked and our practitioner numbers continue to rise. We have a great lineup of speakers and workshops. Vendors will have the opportunity to showcase their products in our Tech Showcase and in our exhibit hall.
The full schedule has been posted on our website here https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c9bddf0797f7463f03a7bff/t/645529d258efa1379393f1fa/1683302866986/06_Program_DRAFT_Full+Agenda_2023.pdf. The Attendee Guidebook and Summit Program will be forthcoming very soon.
The Ft. Myers downtown area is located right across the street which boasts many restaurants, bars, and shopping for your enjoyment. https://downtownfortmyers.com/
I am excited to see everyone in Ft Myers on June 18th. For those that are still deciding on attending please visit our website at https://www.correctionstech.org/annual-summit.
Thank you,
Zacc Allen
President – CTA
+ April 24, 2023: President's Message
Fellow Corrections Practitioners,
We are fast approaching the annual CTA Summit in Ft. Myers, FL from June 18-21. Planning is in full swing. We had a large number of workshop submissions this year, which is great, but it made it very difficult to decide which ones would be chosen to present at the summit. We are working through that process now and should have a schedule out soon.
We are kicking off this year’s summit right! We have Richard D. Comerford, the Deputy Secretary of the Florida Department of Corrections, who will welcome all our attendees. Following the Deputy Secretary we have our keynote speaker Michael Duke, the Statewide Gang Coordinator from the Virginia Department of Corrections.
We have a record number of vendors who have sponsored this year. The breadth of technology and services that will be on display in the exhibit hall and in our technical showcases is going to make the summit even more worthwhile.
If you are planning on coming and have not registered or made travel arrangements, please do so soon as the hotel rooms are going fast. Please make sure you call the hotel versus booking online. If you are still on the fence, I encourage you to attend. We have put a lot of planning into this summit. My hope is you will be able to take back to your jurisdiction what you have learned so we can continue to further the technological advancements in our profession.
I look forward to seeing you all in sunny Florida.
See the link below for registration and hotel information.
https://www.correctionstech.org/annual-summit
Sincerely,
Zacc Allen
CTA President
+ April 6, 2023: President's Message
Good day, Corrections Professionals!
The CTA board has just wrapped up our spring board meeting in beautiful Ft. Myers, FL. We had a significant number of submissions for the summit workshops this year. After careful deliberation, we have approved an exciting and engaging list of workshops that will be presenting at the summit this year. If you made a submission, you can expect those notifications will go out this week. I am really looking forward to the variety of workshops that will be presented this year.
Speaking of the summit… June is fast approaching!! Please make sure you register and make your travel arrangements soon. I look forward to seeing everyone in sunny Ft. Myers, FL.
Zacc Allen CTA President
+ February 10, 2023: President's Message
As President of the CTA and the CIO of the Virginia Department of Corrections, I am encouraging everyone to reach out to colleagues, practitioners and sponsors to attend the upcoming Technology Summit this June in Fort Myers, Fl.
In 2022, the CTA had a significant number of organizations represented including federal, state and county corrections as well as international participation. Generally, attendees are the primary technology “decision makers” for their respective organizations, with many Chief Information Officers and technology decision-makers. We hope to see an even bigger turn out this year!!
The 2023 Technology Summit will mark the 23rd year that correctional technology professionals gather to exchange valuable information with their peers and from leading business sponsors who serve the corrections community. This exciting 4-day event hosts practitioners from local, state, tribal, federal and international agencies as a way of collaborating on current issues, experiences and learning about the latest technology solutions available. The theme this year of “Riding the Wave of Technology” promises to deliver a compelling program of topics and presentations to attract IT professionals from across North America. The focused makeup of attendees offers sponsors an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their products and services, and to form lasting relationships with potential customers.
I look forward to seeing everyone in Florida!
Zacc
+ December 7, 2022: President's Message
Happy Holidays Correctional Practitioners and Business Partners,
As we move through the holiday season I have been reflecting on all of the things I have to be thankful for. My family, friends, and health are very important to me, as is with most people. I am also very grateful for my job and all of the wonderful people I get to work with. I also realize that I don’t express my gratitude enough. Sometimes I get mired in the daily grind and lose sight of the many blessings I have. I want to say thank you to each one of you. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of others and thank you for choosing a noble profession.
Thank you for your service and happy holidays.
Zacc
+ October 25, 2022: President's Message
October 25, 2022: President’s Message
Good day Corrections Professionals and valued Business Partners,
The CTA Board is gearing up for our 2023 Technology Summit, which will be held Sunday, June 18 - Wednesday, June 21, 2023, in Ft Myers, Florida!
Additionally, you will soon be receiving the call for presentations from President-Elect Wendy Ling.
As the theme for the 23rd CTA Summit is ‘Riding the Wave of Technology’, we are looking for presentation ideas that embody this theme with a wide range for possible discussion. We would like to highlight and celebrate any successes and help others avoid project pitfalls with lessons learned. With the theme, we are looking to consider the different audiences in our midst. These are broad suggestions, and we are soliciting your input and ideas in developing the technology-focused presentations and panels for our next gathering. Examples of possible topics for each audience are included but not limited to the following suggestions:
I. Inmate / Offender Population
Re-entry lifecycle – successes/challenges related to technology
Offender Management (focused discussion on various aspects— sentence calculation, population management, facility management, transportation, property, etc.)
Education / Vocational Programs
Inmate Monitoring (RTLS, facility movement, ankle bracelets / GPS monitoring)
II. Corrections Staff / Probation and Parole Staff / Corrections IT Staff
Automation and Efficiency Gains
Staffing Challenges (retention, recruitment, scheduling, remote work, etc.)
Network / Infrastructure challenges
Cybersecurity
Operations Technology (body cameras, body scanners, cell phone detection, drones, thermal fence cameras, etc.)
III. Corrections Services / Industries / Vendor Partners
Food Service
Inmate Tablets
Inmate Phone Services / Monitoring
Canteen / Commissary
Medical Services (telehealth, pharmacy, EHR)
Other
Thankfully the area of Ft. Myers where the conference will be held was mostly spared from significant damage during the recent Hurricane. The Luminary Hotel is right across the street from a lively downtown scene, offers many amenities, and has given us the “All Clear” to continue with our planning activities.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Please look out for the upcoming email for the call for presentations. I look forward to seeing everyone in Ft. Myers, FL in June of 2023.
Zacc Allen
President
Corrections Technology Association
804-836-4920
+ July 26, 2022: President's Message
As I embark on my tenure as President of CTA, I would be remiss not to start off by thanking those individuals that have volunteered countless hours which have made CTA what it is today. The CTA Board and Staff, past and present, have inspired me due to their passion for technology, willingness to teach and mentor, and dedication to the corrections profession.
As the CIO for the Virginia Department of Corrections, one may ask why I would take on this additional responsibility that no doubt will require countless hours of work over the next year. The answer for me is simple — I believe in the mission of corrections which is ultimately to provide a safer community for us all to live and work. Technology plays such a vital role in this mission as almost every aspect of corrections now touches some element of technology.
I have attended CTA Summits for many years and I cannot underscore the value the CTA has provided to me professionally. The relationships that I have formed over the years have not only resulted in many I now call friends, but have also provided me with a network of experienced and knowledgeable technology professionals whose insights have proven invaluable.
The CTA Board of Directors and Staff are made up of some of the most dedicated, knowledgeable professionals that I have ever been associated with. I am delighted to continue to work alongside such a fine group of individuals.
I am honored and humbled to be chosen for this position and I look forward to continuing the great work of those that have come before me.
With Warm Regard,
Zacc Allen CTA President
Chief Information Officer
Information Technology Unit
Virginia Department of Corrections
804-887-8012 (w)
804-837-0286 (c)
+ May 2, 2022: President's Message
Good day Corrections Colleagues!
If you haven't already done so, please take a few minutes to complete the below survey to inform the CTA Board of Directors on how we can broaden our service to the corrections community. We will be reviewing the results at the CTA Summit and I hope you will share your valuable input. The survey will remain open until May 15th.
Our event is almost here! The program and Guidebook app will be available very soon, details forthcoming.
I look forward to seeing you at our 22nd Annual Technology Summit at the Hilton Ballpark, St. Louis!
Thanks,
Jerry Brinegar
President
Corrections Technology Association
+ April 11, 2022: President's Message
Good day Corrections Colleagues!
As we draw nearer to this year’s technology summit, I wanted to take a moment to recap and thank all the speakers that have so graciously agreed to address us in St. Louis.
Our welcome speaker is Anne L. Precythe, Director of Missouri Department of Corrections.
The keynote address includes Nigel Poor, Earlonne Woods, and Lieutenant Sam Robinson, the collaborators of the podcast Ear Hustle.
The closing panel is comprised of technology leaders that will discuss the global challenge of connecting innovation to strategy in the corrections domain.
There are also 21 workshop sessions with speakers from the corrections community, both practitioners and vendors, scheduled throughout the event.
A very big thank you from CTA to each speaker for your willingness to participate and share at our first in-person summit in 3 years!
Additionally, we will have the exhibit hall and technology showcase, where you can learn more about our vendor sponsors and the products and services they offer to advance the field of corrections technology. Not to mention other fun events planned!
The early bird rate of $375.00 is ending on 4/17…there is still time left for practitioners to register at this rate! After 4/17, the regular rate of $425.00 applies. 1st-time attendee rate will remain at $199.00.
Hotel rooms at the Federal per diem rate of $141.00/night will be available through 5/16.
More information about the summit can be found at https://www.correctionstech.org/annual-summit.
See you in St. Louis!
Jerry BrinegarPresidentCorrections Technology Associationpresident@correctionstech.org
+ March 28, 2022: President's Message
Good afternoon distinguished colleagues,
Please see the attached closing panel announcement for the 2022 Technology Summit in St. Louis, MO this June 12th-15th.
The theme of this year's summit is "The Gateway to Innovation" and will be held at the Hilton at the Ballpark hotel. Registration is open and the early bird rate of $375.00 is still available until 4/17/2022.
2022 CTA Technology Summit.
Additional details are located on the CTA website, below.
https://www.correctionstech.org/annual-summit
https://www.correctionstech.org/s/CTA-2022-Closing-Panel-Announcement.pdf
+ March 15, 2022: President's Message
Dear Corrections Practitioner:
The Corrections Technology Association (CTA) is an association of public correctional IT professionals, proudly including cities, counties, states and provinces in the United States, Canada, and other countries, among its members. CTA supports providing outreach, autonomy, resources and the tools needed to discharge important responsibilities within our daily duties supporting the corrections community. Each year, a call for volunteers is sent to recruit those interested in becoming a part of CTA. Below is an outline of those positions available starting this June for the 2022-2023 season and beyond.
Track Chairs
Each year, the President-Elect seeks names of qualified candidates for the track chair positions. There is one position available:
Track Chair. One-year appointed term. This position is for those that are looking to get more involved in CTA and perhaps move toward one of the CTA leadership roles. This position will help develop content for the annual technology summit. The position will work with practitioners and business partners submitting workshops to ensure that the content is relevant and focuses on how technology addresses a business problem/need. If you have a desire to get involved with CTA as well as your corrections peers, plus the drive to help move our industry forward, this is the opportunity for you. Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest to Zacc Allen by May 1st, 2022 at president.elect@correctionstech.org. This position will serve through the Annual CTA Conference in June, 2023.
Board of Directors
Each year, the CTA Board of Directors seeks names of qualified candidates for the Board. The positions and terms available include:
President-Elect. Three-year elected term (consecutive one-year terms as President-Elect, President, and Past President). Each year, one board member is cycling out from office as the Past-President. When elected to the Board in this sequential three-year term, you will be responsible, along with your other presidential colleagues, to:
Provide overall governance of the organization
Chair the CTA Board meetings
Develop a schedule for the following year’s CTA Technology Summit
Propose by-law changes to the membership for approval
Direct CTA’s long-range strategic goals, objectives and event locations
Support CTA’s implementation of its mission
Secretary. Two-year elected term. The Secretary is responsible for keeping the official minutes of the CTA Board meetings and performs other duties as assigned by the President or Executive Committee. According to CTA by-laws, members of the Board of Directors shall be qualified members – that is CIOs, IT Directors, or other senior positions with responsibilities comparable to those positions. Persons elected to the Board of Directors must be able to attend monthly conference calls for Board meetings, and bi-weekly calls from March to May, leading up to the summit. They must also attend two on-site meetings for planning in between CTA conferences, historically in September and February/March. Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest to Jerry Brinegar by May 1st, 2022 at president@correctionstech.org. The slate of candidates will be voted upon by the membership at the technology summit in St. Louis, MO, June 12th to 15th, 2022. A list of current CTA Board members can be found at https://www.correctionstech.org/board-of-directors.
CTA Technology Summit
The Board positions also require approximately five days in early June each year to help with the annual summit. It may also involve membership on CTA committees and, on occasion, some members of the Board are asked to act as “ambassadors” for CTA with one of our alliance partners. CTA provides reimbursement for all reasonable travel expenses.
CTA encourages any qualified members who are interested in serving on the Board of Directors or as a Track Chair to submit an application. In addition, we encourage applicants from geographical regions not currently represented on the Board to apply as well: from states, provinces, counties and other municipalities.
We look forward to hearing from you!
With Warm Regard,
Jerry D. Brinegar, PMP
CTA President
+ March 2, 2022: President's Message
2022 Summit – Keynote Speaker Announcement
The Corrections Technology Association is delighted to announce the keynote address for the 2022 Technology Summit, Ear Hustle!
The Ear Hustle podcast brings you the daily realities of life inside prison, shared by those living it, and stories from the outside post incarceration. The Ear Hustle team works in the San Francisco Bay Area, both in San Quentin’s media lab and from offices on the outside, to produce stories that are sometimes difficult, often funny and always honest, offering a nuanced view of people involved with the American prison system, and those reintegrating into society after serving time.
The podcast is a partnership between Nigel Poor, a Bay Area visual artist and Earlonne Woods, formerly incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison, within the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), and was co-founded with fellow inmate Antwan Williams. Ear Hustle is overseen by Lieutenant Sam Robinson, Public Information Officer at San Quentin.
Producing thought-provoking, emotionally moving episodes since 2017, Ear Hustle starts a new season this March.
The theme for the 2022 Summit is “The Gateway to Innovation”, and Ear Hustle is an excellent example of how technology has been utilized in an innovative way to inform and effect change.
The 2022 Summit is quickly approaching! We look forward to seeing you in St. Louis, MO June 12th – 15th at the Hilton Ballpark Hotel.
With Warm Regard,
Jerry D. Brinegar, PMP
CTA President
+ January 25, 2022: President's Message
2022 Summit – Welcome Speaker Announcement
The Corrections Technology Association board is so excited to announce Missouri Department of Corrections Director, Anne L. Precythe, as our welcome speaker for the 2022 Technology Summit, “The Gateway to Innovation”.
As Director of Corrections, Precythe is responsible for the 20 adult correctional facilities, six community supervision centers, a community release center, and more than 40 probation and parole offices across the State of Missouri. This includes approximately 11,000 staff, 63,000 probationers and parolees, and more than 23,500 inmates.
Director Precythe brings over 32 years of service as a Corrections professional into her role as director. Before becoming the second female director for the Missouri Department of Corrections, Precythe served as the Director of Community Corrections in the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.
Anne L. Precythe began her career with the Division of Community Corrections in Duplin County, North Carolina as a Probation/Parole Officer in 1988. During her career in North Carolina, she served in many capacities and was appointed the first female Director of Community Corrections in 2013.
Director Precythe has served on various councils and commissions throughout her career. She was a long-standing member of the North Carolina Probation/Parole Association and continues to support the Correctional Peace Officer Foundation. In 2018, Director Precythe was elected to serve on the Executive Committee of the Correctional Leaders Association and in 2020, she was elected to serve as President of the Association. In 2019, Director Precythe was also appointed to the Council of State Governments Justice Center Advisory Board.
Director Precythe was also appointed to the Council of State Governments Justice Center Advisory Board. Director Precythe was nominated and approved by her peers to serve as a member of the Inaugural Class of the Council on Criminal Justice in 2020. In 2021, she was named Civic Leader of the Year, a Woman of the Year award presented by the Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation.
Anne is married with two married daughters and four grandsons.
We look forward to Director Precythe welcoming us to the great city of St. Louis and kicking off our Summit!
With Warm Regard,
Jerry D. Brinegar, PMP
CTA President
+ January 7, 2022: President's Message
Corrections Practitioners and Business Partners, In preparation for our upcoming 22nd Annual Technology Summit in St. Louis, MO the CTA Board is seeking presentations that align with the theme "The Gateway to Innovation".
Please click on the link below and fill out the survey for your presentation to be considered.
The due date for the Call for Presentations has been extended to February 4th, 2022. https://forms.office.com/r/q4wsh9gkVDFill | 2022 Call For Presentations
Below please find the link to the practitioner registration portal.
Registration costs for practitioners are as follows: Early Bird rate - $375.00 before April 17th, 2022 Regular rate - $425.00 on or after April 17th, 2022 First-time practitioner rate - $199.00 2022 CTA Technology Summit Vendor partners will need to complete the registration form in the Sponsor Guide as in past events. The Sponsor Guide may be downloaded from the CTA website here: https://www.correctionstech.org/sponsorships
We look forward to seeing you in St. Louis in June!
With Warm Regard,
Jerry D. Brinegar, PMP
CTA President
+ December 30, 2021: President's Message
Good day Corrections Practitioners and Partners, and Happy New Year!
It’s here…registration for the CTA 2022 Annual Technology Summit is now open!
Below please find the link to the practitioner registration portal.
**Registration costs for practitioners are as follows:
Early Bird rate - $375.00 prior to April 17th, 2022
Regular rate - $425.00 on or after April 17th, 2022
First-time practitioner rate - $199.00 **
2022 CTA Technology Summit
Vendor partners will need to complete the registration form in the Sponsor Guide as in past events. The Sponsor Guide may be downloaded from the CTA website here:
https://www.correctionstech.org/sponsorships
We look forward to seeing you in St. Louis in June!
With Warm Regard,
Jerry D. Brinegar, PMP
CTA President
+ December 22, 2021: President's Message
Season’s Greetings Correctional Practitioners and Business Partners,
A quick holiday wish for you and yours. The CTA Board is winding down for the holidays, but we will be resuming activities in January to continue preparation for the Summit next June.
Happy Holidays!
+ November 22, 2021: President's Message
Good day all,
The holiday season is upon us, but planning continues to ensure a great technology summit next June in St. Louis, MO! I’d like to take this opportunity to state how thankful I am for all the accomplishments and innovations made this year in corrections technology and for all the people, both practitioners, and business partners, who work so hard to make them happen.
Both the call for presentations and the technology showcase for the 2022 Summit are open and may be accessed from the CTA website: https://www.correctionstech.org/annual-summit.
The due date for the call for presentations is 1/14/2022, with 21 timeslots available throughout the event. Any questions you may have regarding the presentation call may be sent to President-Elect, Zacc Allen, at president-elect@correctionstech.org. Be sure to take advantage of the informational Zoom session scheduled on December 9th, 2021 at 1pm (EST), link below.
https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1610788903pwd=MEw1NmVpYkY1bytiaFprNndUTnNpdz09
Preference will be given to technology showcase submissions received by 1/21/2022. There are 10 timeslots available for Platinum and Gold business partner sponsors of the 2022 Summit on a first-come/first-serve basis. Please reach out to Corporate Chair-Elect, Mark Montgomery, at businesspartner3@correctionstech.org, if you have any questions regarding the technology showcase.
Registration for the 2022 Summit will be opening very soon.
I hope each of you enjoys good food and good times with family and friends this week, away from your day-to-day endeavors.
Happy Thanksgiving!
With Warm Regard,
Jerry D. Brinegar, PMP
CTA President
+ October 12, 2021: President's Message
Good day Corrections Professionals and valued Business Partners,
The CTA Board is gearing up for our summit next June in St. Louis, MO, and registration for the event will be opening next month with an early bird rate for correctional practitioners of $375.00, as well as a first-time attendee rate, again for correctional practitioners, of just $199.00.
Additionally, you will soon be receiving the call for presentations from President-Elect Zacc Allen.
As the theme for the 22nd CTA Summit is 'The Gateway to Innovation', we are looking for presentation submissions that align accordingly. Some topic examples for consideration appear below, but any innovation that you've achieved or are working toward with the help of technology will be considered.
Topic Examples
• A.I./Data Analytics
Robotics
Machine Learning
Recidivism/social outcomes
• OMS – Post-implementation/system consolidation/innovative uses of OMS
Canteen/Commissary
ID Badges
Data Sharing (courts, to EHR, other)
Digitizing Forms
Bar Coding/Tracking/RFID/Geofencing
Migrations to new systems
• Phone/Communication Systems – Staff – Offenders - Focus
Networks
Cell Phone Detection
Radios
VoIP/FoIP
• Human Resources/operations
Scheduling
Centralized IT
RFI/RFP/Contracts and Grants
Staff Augmentation
• Compliance
Certifications
NIST/CJIS
Cyber security
Information Security
• Facilities (Corrections/Rehabilitation)
Body Cameras
Facility Cameras/Door integration
Drug Detection
Body Searches/ scanners
Gaming/TV/Movies/Public Broadcast/Other
Finger Printing (morpho/live scan/AFIS)
Correctional Industries
• Probation and Parole (furlough) – Re-entry, community impact
Ankle Bracelets/ Electronic Monitoring
Alcohol Monitoring
Self-Reporting kiosks
Phone Apps (eProbation)
• Medical
EHR
Life Sign Monitoring
Telemedicine/Telehealth
• Tablets/Offender Technology
Video Visitation
Incident Reporting/Grievances
Law Libraries
Mail Scanning/Processing
• Network
Inmate Networks
Wireless
Education (flip side, programming for employment to reintegrate)
Medical
• Other
More information to come!
+ September 27, 2021: President's Message
Good day Corrections Professionals,
Save the Date - The 2022 Corrections Technology Association Summit is coming!
The CTA Board has started planning the technology summit next June. The theme of the summit is: The Gateway to Innovation.
The summit will be hosted at the Hilton at the Ballpark in St. Louis, MO, June 12th-15th, 2022. The Board is very excited to resume this in-person event, with content and break-out sessions focusing on how innovation in corrections has and can be achieved through technology.
More information to come soon, including the call for presentations and technology showcase details.
We look forward to seeing all of you next June in St. Louis!
Jerry Brinegar President
Corrections Technology Association
+ June 24, 2021: President's Message
As I take up the mantle of President I’d like to take a moment to share with you what CTA means to me.
I started working for the New Mexico Corrections Department as a Project Manager in 2008, and my very first project was the modernization of our legacy offender management system. My background was in IT, but at that time, I had no government experience and no corrections exposure of any kind. I had managed my share of system implementations. At the time I remember saying that an OMS implementation was “a whole ‘nother animal”. In actuality, and in retrospect, it was more like the entire zoo!
So, I was trying to wrap my hands…and my head around corrections business processes to better understand the project I was managing, and I came across the technical specifications for offender management that were written and published by CTA. Over the next few months these specs pretty much became my constant companion. I cannot emphasize strongly enough how important that documentation was for my induction into corrections and the facilitation of my learning process of the in’s and out’s of offender management.
It was a few years later that I was able to attend the CTA Summit for the first time, in Phoenix in 2013. This proved to be another revelation. To meet with IT professionals and discuss technology issues, that while similar to other governmental agencies in some respects, are often vastly different from a public safety and correctional perspective. This was very exciting for me! You all understand the unique challenges of the corrections domain. I have learned, and continue to learn from you.
Now, I would have never been able to guess in the spring of 2008 when I spent all those hours reading the CTA specifications that I would one day be in the role of President of that same, prestigious, and very important, association.
I’m both honored and humbled to work alongside all of the intelligent, talented individuals that make up CTA: the members of the Board and track chairs, who freely commit so much of their time, and all of you… corrections practitioners and vendor partners, the passion you have for what you do and your willingness to share knowledge with your colleagues. You are the foundation of CTA.
Next year we fully intend to hold an in-person summit, and I hope you’ll join me at the Hilton at the Ballpark in St. Louis next June. Be looking for more information in the coming months as we start planning for that event.
As the last year and a half has underscored, we don’t know what the future holds, but I’m excited to move toward it with all of you.
With Warm Regard,
Jerry D. Brinegar, PMP
CTA President