Effective Leadership Practices: From Cultivation to Implementation

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Dr. Gomez first joined MPS as a Procedures Clerk, now referred to as a Probation Case Specialist, at Somerville District Court. In April 2000, she became a Probation Officer at the Middlesex Probate & Family Court and later transferred to Suffolk Superior Court. She was appointed Chelsea District Chief Probation Officer in April 2013. In July 2022, Dr. Gomez was named Regional Supervisor of Region 3 which includes more than a dozen courts in Essex and Middlesex counties. She earned a Ph.D in Law, Policy, and Society from Northeastern University, a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Mount Ida College. Dr. Gomez is a founding member of the Massachusetts Trial Court Women’s History Month Committee which hosts an annual Women’s History Month event. Dr. Gomez also serves as co-chair of the Women’s Symposium hosted by the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) and is an active member of numerous committees that focus on the intersection of criminal justice and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Dr. Gomez holds memberships in APPA, the New England Council for Crime and Delinquency (NECCD), and the National Association of Probation Executives (NAPE).

Chief Jenkins career in the justice system spanned more than 40 years. He retired as the chief probation officer for San Diego County, where he oversaw a department of more than 1,300 staff who provided supervision and services to more than 13,000 adult and 2,500 juvenile offenders. Over the course of his career Chief Jenkins developed expertise in the use of evidenced-based practices for community supervision and gained more than 25 years of experience working in drug courts and collaborative justice programs. He has served on a number of national boards including the National Association of Drug Court Professionals, and Council of State Governments (CSG)/ Justice Center. Chief Jenkins is a past President of the Chief Probation Officers of California and former Vice President of the American Probation and Parole Association. Chief Jenkins sits as a gubernatorial appointee to California’s Council on Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health which advises the Governor’s office and state legislature on the intersection between the criminal justice system and behavioral health. Chief Jenkins is an adjunct instructor in criminal justice and holds a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of California, Irvine along with a Master's degree in criminal justice from California State University, Long Beach.

Charles R. Robinson is an experienced leader in state and federal community corrections, currently serving as Deputy Chief of the Probation and Pretrial Services Office at the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. With over 25 years of experience, Charles has become a national voice in translating research into meaningful policy and practice for community supervision agencies. A frequent speaker and trainer, Charles specializes in helping organizations evolve—structurally, culturally, and behaviorally—to meet the demands of modern justice systems. His work focuses on building high-performing, learning-driven organizations that use data and strategy to improve outcomes. He has led national initiatives that have reshaped training, leadership development, and implementation strategies in probation and pretrial services systems. Charles brings a blend of practical leadership experience, knowledge of organizational change, and a passion for empowering justice professionals. Expect an interactive and forward-thinking conversation that challenges assumptions and sparks innovation.