Recognitions

The Joe Kegans Award for Victim Services in Probation and Parole is awarded to a community corrections officer who provides exemplary services to victims of crime. The award is named after the late Judge Joe Kegans, a founding member of APPA’s Victim Issues Committee who devoted her career as a jurist to bettering the lives of those impacted by crime. Award winner Brenda Duenas is Senior Parole Officer with the Adult Parole Authority, Akron Region with 31 years of service in case management supervising individuals with mental health, substance abuse issues and sex offenders. In addition, she presents violation hearings, was a LEADS TAC for 20 years, trains new officers and interns and is a lead officer in her unit. She is a mentor who exhibits transformational leadership.

For more than 30 years, she has devoted a large portion of her career to supporting victims, bringing compassion, strength, and unwavering advocacy to every role she has held. She is truly passionate about offering strength to victims. She focuses on empowerment helping survivors find their strength.

As she prepares for retirement, she leaves a legacy of service that cannot be overstated. She has changed lives, uplifted voices, and set a standard of excellence.

During his 35 year distinguished career with San Diego County, Cecil H. Steppe brought together a myriad county departments, schools, state agencies and private-sector organizations to share the responsibility of providing social and health services to families based on his belief in the value of working to make things better, and that “all things are possible.”

Cecil served in the U.S. Air Force. He then served as Chief Probation Officer for years and later, the Director of Community Initiatives in the Health and Human Services Agency.

From 1992-97, he was Director of the Department of Social Services, the largest county department, with a budget over $900 million and nearly 4,000 staff. After retiring from the county, Cecil became President and CEO of the Urban League, leading efforts to provide tools for success in underrepresented communities from 2001-07.

Cecil empowered changes in the county, with his positivity and an infectious sense of humor. He served on many boards, including the YMCA Corporate, the Vista Hills Foundation and the Policy Council on Head Start.

A strong advocate for welfare reform, Cecil supports family-centered practice, and strengthening employment and training programs to move welfare recipients to self-sufficiency.

His achievements were recognized with numerous awards, including the “San Diego Songs of My People: 100 African-American Role Models.”

Since September 2005, Cecil has served as the Board Chair of the Gompers Preparatory Academy, a conversion charter school for students grades 6-12.

In recognition of his outstanding accomplishments the Board of Trustees of the California State University proudly conferred upon Cecil, the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters in May of 2017.

As Deputy Commissioner for the Georgia Department of Community Supervision, Michelle has consistently demonstrated visionary leadership, professionalism, and a deep commitment to improving outcomes within the justice system. She has dedicated her career to strengthening community supervision practices, supporting staff development, and fostering collaborative partnerships that elevate the profession as a whole. Her leadership style reflects integrity, compassion, and a genuine desire to serve others.

Michelle’s involvement with APPA has been both longstanding and impactful. Since the beginning of the APPA Women’s Symposium, she has remained an active supporter and contributor, helping cultivate an empowering space for women in leadership and community corrections. Her dedication to mentorship and professional growth has encouraged and inspired many emerging leaders within the field.

In addition, Michelle recently served on the Host Committee for the latest APPA Winter Conference, once again demonstrating her willingness to contribute her time, expertise, and energy to ensure the success of APPA initiatives. Whether serving in leadership roles or supporting organizational efforts behind the scenes, Michelle consistently goes above and beyond in support of the association and its members.

Michelle Stanley embodies the spirit of the Carmen Rodriguez Member of the Year Award through her extraordinary service, dedication, and passion for organized community corrections. Her contributions have strengthened APPA, positively influenced the profession, and inspired those fortunate enough to work alongside her. I can think of no individual more deserving of this recognition.

Throughout his more than three decades of service with the Florida Department of Corrections, Officer Nowicki has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism, leadership, and commitment to public safety. His work as a High-Risk Specialist supervising some of the most complex and dangerous offenders reflects not only his expertise, but also his dedication to protecting the communities we serve.

From a law enforcement perspective, Officer Nowicki stands out as a trusted and invaluable partner. His longstanding role as a Security Threat Group Coordinator and gang liaison has significantly strengthened collaboration between community corrections and local, state, and federal agencies. His ability to share timely intelligence, coordinate operations, and support enforcement efforts has directly contributed to safer communities and more effective crime prevention strategies.

His impact was especially evident during a recent federal investigation involving a violent offender connected to weapons trafficking and narcotics distribution. Officer Nowicki’s proactive communication, investigative skill, and persistence were instrumental in locating the offender and coordinating with the United States Marshals Service to ensure a safe and successful arrest. His actions exemplify the critical role probation officers play in the broader public safety mission and highlight the importance of strong interagency partnerships.

Beyond enforcement, Officer Nowicki’s commitment to training and mentorship has helped shape the next generation of officers. His leadership in firearms training, defensive tactics, and specialized instruction has enhanced officer readiness and safety across the region. Additionally, his willingness to support institutional operations during times of staffing shortages reflects a selfless dedication to the entire corrections system.

Officer Nowicki embodies the very best qualities of a public safety professional. He is dependable, highly skilled, and deeply committed to both his colleagues and the community. His career reflects a rare combination of operational excellence, leadership, and service.