Organizing for Ultimate Impact: How an Association of Probation Chiefs Helps Influence Professional Training and State Policy

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Karen Pank, CPOC Executive Director Karen Pank serves as the Executive Director of CPOC, where she has built a track record of successfully advocating for major correctional policy reforms in California. In 2009, she was instrumental in the passage of SB 678, historic community corrections legislation that led to the reduction of felony probation revocations. Karen is particularly adept at working diligently with key stakeholders. In the largest shift in correctional policy in the last 20 years, she worked hand in hand with key constituencies to implement AB 109 (Public Safety Realignment). Prior to joining CPOC, Karen served as the Deputy Legislative Secretary advising Governor Schwarzenegger on criminal justice, civil litigation and judicial issues. Karen has extensive experience drafting statewide initiatives and advising campaigns on policy and strategy. Prior to joining the Administration, Karen served as a Policy Consultant to the California State Assembly and later in the State Senate working on public safety issues. Karen started her career as a Senate Fellow under then-California State Senator and now California Court of Appeals Associate Justice Chuck Poochigan. Karen has taught Legislative Process and Procedure as an adjunct professor at the University of California, Davis School of Law. She is a member of the California State Bar and graduate of the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law and Saint Mary’s College of California.