Effective Leadership Practices: From Cultivation to Implementation

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Susan Burke is a consultant/advisor for Carey Group, a practitioner-led justice consulting firm dedicated to advancing research-informed practices and tools to improve system outcomes and community well-being. Susan has over 30 years of experience working in justice, implementing and leading change efforts as a probation executive, head of a state juvenile corrections agency, and public policy specialist. She is the immediate past president of the National Association of Probation Executives and past president of the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA). She serves on the Youth Correctional Leaders for Justice Steering Committee and is a champion of system transformation. In 2020, she received the APPA Walter Dunbar Memorial Award.

Carmen Z. Gomez, PhD is a Criminal Justice professional with over 27 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 leadership capacity, DEI, sex crimes, and serial killings. She serves as an APPA Leadership Institute Coordinator. She also serves on the National Association of Probation Board of Directors, Executive, Enroot, Cambridge Community Services, and the Governor’s Criminal Record Review Board. She is a current American Probation and Parole Association member and 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. She has organized the Massachusetts Trial Court’s first annual Women’s History Month Celebration 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 national speaker in Racial Justice, Women’s Rights, 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 engagement. She is dedicated to creating and supporting systems that embrace diversity, equality, inclusion, accessibility, and a fair and just legal system. She is a professional disrupter and change agent.

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 across the federal probation and pretrial system. In this session, 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.