Riverside County, Calif. - Two members of the Riverside County Probation Department executive team received statewide recognition at the recent 2024 Annual Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) Awards Ceremony. Chief Deputy Probation Administrator (CDPA) Cherilyn Williams received the Trainer of the Year Award for her outstanding contributions to advancing probation professional development and training. Chief Deputy Probation Officer (CDPO) LaToya Thomas received the prestigious CPOC Award of Excellence, an honor celebrating her incredible leadership and tireless dedication to improving justice and equity in the field of probation. “Cherilyn’s ability to inspire and educate effectively has made her a deserving recipient of this award,” said Christopher Wright, Riverside County Chief Probation Officer. “She’s an exceptional leader whose passion and commitment continue to make a lasting impact. The high level of training for the probation profession in California is a critical difference-maker in ensuring we are enhancing the safety of our communities and helping people in our justice system get the rehabilitation they need to lead safe and successful lives in our communities. Cherilyn’s high level of training expertise contributes greatly to the noble goal and this incredible profession.” CDPA Williams's expertise and dedication have set a benchmark for excellence in probation training. Over the years, she has been instrumental in facilitating transformative discussions on fiscal strategy at the CPOC Foundation’s Executive Leadership Academy (ELA) Booster training, where her insights empowered participants to leverage technology for smarter financial decision- making. Her

work as a facilitator at the Management Leadership Academy (MLA) in 2018 and 2019 further solidified her reputation as a leader who can demystify complex financial processes, helping probation professionals understand and optimize budgets for impactful outcomes. "Through her unique ability to translate intricate financial concepts into actionable knowledge, Cherilyn has become an invaluable asset to the probation field," said Kelly Vernon, CPOC President and Tulare County Probation Chief. "Her dedication to equipping professionals with the tools they need for success exemplifies the spirit of this award." CDPO LaToyaThomas has been a transformational leader within Riverside County Probation. Her exemplary efforts in steering the department’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiative have made significant impacts on the department. Under her leadership, Riverside County Probation has effectively implemented the Riverside County Board of Supervisors' Resolution 2020-179, safeguarding that DEI remains a central focus in policy and practice. Thomas’s successful implementation of the initiative supported an inclusive environment within the department, ensuring the voices of all staff members are heard. CDPO Thomas has also championed community- led diversion options for at- promise youth, providing new opportunities and resources for community-based organizations and government agencies to work together. “LaToya’s leadership and vision have been instrumental in driving meaningful change within the probation profession,” said Christopher Wright, Chief Probation Officer of Riverside County. “Her tireless efforts to implement equity-focused initiatives and foster collaboration across departments have significantly enhanced our ability to enhance community safety

and serve our community.” In addition to her local work, Thomas played a key role in Riverside County Probation’s participation in the Transforming Juvenile Probation Program at Georgetown University, a four- day certification program that brings probation teams together to discuss positive changes to juvenile justice systems. Her forward-thinking approach and hard work during this program were commended by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. “LaToya’s dedication to addressing systemic inequities and building stronger, community- driven support networks is remarkable,” added Kelly Vernon, Chief Probation Officer of Tulare County and President of CPOC. “Her ability to create effective strategies that bridge gaps and inspire partnerships ensures that our systems are not only just but also profoundly impactful for those we serve. She is setting a new standard for leadership in probation.” CPOC honors the hard work and dedication of leaders like Cherilyn Williams and LaToya Thomas, who create meaningful opportunities for growth, transformation, and positive change within their communities. The Chief Probation Officers of California is an association of all 58 counties with a shared identity as law enforcement leaders. CPOC is committed to a research- based approach to public safety that promotes positive behavior change. Their leadership guides policy and practice in prevention, community-based corrections, secure detention for youth, and direct human services. CPOC aims to prevent crime and delinquency, reduce recidivism, restore victims, and promote healthy families and communities. For more information about CPOC, please go to www.cpoc. org.