Effective Leadership Practices: From Cultivation to Implementation

Go Back

Carmen Z. Gomez, PhD, is a Criminal Legal professional with over 28 years of experience in the Judicial system. She serves as Deputy Commissioner for Pretrial Services for the Massachusetts Probation Service. She holds a PhD in Philosophy concentrating in Law, Policy, and Society. She has served as an adjunct professor at several colleges and universities and as a consultant to local, state, and federal entities, providing expertise in the areas of executive leadership capacity, Probation and Parole, DEI, gender responsiveness approaches, gender studies and female empowerment, wellness, emotional regulation for law enforcement, sex crimes, and serial killings. She serves as an American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) Leadership Institute Coordinator. She also serves on the National Association of Probation Executives Board of Directors, Enroot, Cambridge Community Services, and served on the Governor’s Criminal Record Review Board. She is the Co-Founder and Member of the Foundation for Non-Violent Action. She is the lead organizer of the Massachusetts Trial Court Cultural Appreciation Week and the Co-Chair of the Trial Court’s Equity Subcommittee on Specialty Courts. She is the founder of the Massachusetts Trial Court’s first annual Women’s History Month Ceremony and Conference since 2021 and is the Co-Chair of the APPA’s Women’s Symposium. She is committed to advancing women’s rights and securing recognition for their contribution. She is a sought out national speaker on Racial Justice, Women’s Rights, Probation and Parole Systems, Leadership Capacity, and Wellness. She is the recipient of the 2024 American Probation and Parole Association Carmen Rodriguez Member of the Year Award, the 2020 Amplify Latinx Latina Leader in the category of Government and Public Policy, the 2019 Martin Luther King Spirit Award, the 2018 Mutual of America Community Partnership – Rosie’s Place, 2017 Mutual of America – United States Mint Liberty Coin, 2017 Excellence Award Massachusetts Trial Court, 2017 Women of Distinction, 2015 One of the 100 Most Influential Hispanics in Massachusetts, 2012 Excellence Award Massachusetts Trial Court, and Distinguished Alumna in Liberal Arts, Humanity, and Education. She has devoted most of her life to public service, civil rights, wellness, leadership, and community corrections and engagement. She is dedicated to creating

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.