President: Dana Ratliffe Walker President-Elect: Jennie Amison Past-President: June T Williams-Hopson Vice-President: Curly Sellers Secretary: Libbie Miller Treasurer: Lois Fegan
At-Large Board Members
James Adams, Courtney Blakey, Vanessa Crawford, Mark H Murphy, Larry Edmonds, Ernest Giles, Jose Quiroz, Caroel Selby, Chuck Kehoe,Vacant
Dana Ratliffe-Walker (President)
Ms. Ratliffe-Walker began her career in 1985 as the part-time Volunteer Coordinator for the Department. In 1987 she was hired as a counselor at Buckingham Correctional Center and in 1998 she was promoted to Treatment Program Supervisor at Coffeewood Correctional Center. She worked at Dillwyn Correctional Center from 2001- 2007 until she was promoted to Assistant Warden at Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women in 2007-2012. She transferred to Lunenburg Correctional Center as Assistant Warden until her promotion to the warden’s positon in 2014. She then returned to Dillwyn Correctional Center in 2017 to 2022. In May of 2022 Ms. Ratliffe-Walker was transferred to Virginia Correctional Center for Women/State Farm Work Center as the warden for both facilities. Ms. Ratliffe-Walker has served on many task groups/special committees throughout her career with the Department. She is a pioneer of the VADOC’s reentry effort as she developed one of the first ReEntry programs, “Transition Out Program” at Dillwyn Correctional Center. She is a LEAD and MDF Graduate. Ms. Ratliffe-Walker was selected to attend the Director’s Future Search Conference and was appointed to one of the many special assignment work groups that followed that conference. Ms. Ratliffe-Walker is a longtime Virginia Sex Offender Treatment Association Board member and officer and she is very active in civic and community programs to include Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.® for which she received the “Distinguished Soror of the Year” award and NAACP, with a special concentration on youth development/empowerment. She is an active member/officer of several boards to include ACA/VCA where she currently serves as Secretary, and SSCA. She also currently serves as a Board member of the Virginia Governmental Employee Association (VGEA). Ms. Ratliffe-Walker is a Dialogue Practitioner Coach and a Subject Matter Specialist. Warden Ratliffe-Walker believes in the “power of relationships”. And she strives to improve challenges within her circle of influence and the community-at-large.
Jennie S. Amison(President-Elect)
Ms. Amison began her career with the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) in 1996 as a Transition Specialist/Senior Probation officer associated with the Indian Creek Corrections Education Center. She was appointed as the first Transition Specialist within the VADOC and worked to improve and streamline operations within the Therapeutic Community Program. In 2001, Ms. Amison became the Executive Director of the Gemeinschaft Home focusing on developing a therapeutic transitional community for ex-offenders, as well as redesigning the organizational structure and record-keeping systems. She returned to the VADOC in 2011 and over the next 13 years has continued to support reentry and programming efforts in multiple roles: Matrix Model Counselor, Cognitive Counselor, Therapeutic Cognitive Community Supervisor, Cognitive Community Counselor, and Workforce Development Specialist.Jennie graduated from Norfolk State University with a BS degree in Special Education. She then continued her education by obtaining a Master’s degree in Education Administration from Strayer University.Ms. Amison currently serves as the VCA President Elect
Captain June T. Williams-Hopson (Past President)
Ms.June has been a member of VCA/ACA since 2002 She Recently retired from Virginia Department of Corrections after 24.5 years of service. She started as a Correctional Officer at Coffeewood Correctional Center and was then promoted to Sergeant at Virginia Correctional Center for Women where she oversaw Strike Force, Laundry, Tool, Key, Armory, and Therapeutic Community Unit. June served as the Training Development Coordinator Sr Security Unit for Virginia Department’s Academy for Staff Development. Holding Certifications of Corrections Crisis Intervention Team, Dialogue Lead, Dialogue Coach, Dialogue Skills Trainer and Working Dialogue. June was also Central Circle Lead. She has earned (DCJS) Instructors Certifications as a Criminal Justice General Instructor, Firearms Instructor (Armor: Glock, Remington, Windham). Stratford, Foley Belsaw Professional Locksmith graduating with Top Honors., Defensive Tactics Instructor, Comprehensive Less Lethal, OC, Aerosol Projectors, Specialty Impact Munitions, Distraction Devises, Chemical Munitions Instructor, Nova/Risen Instructor, Vehicle Operators Driver Instructor, American Heart First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor, and Monadnock Instructor. June has served since 2002 as a member of the VCA and Conference Planning Committee. In May 2012 June was awarded Co-Facilitator - Evidence Based Practices Ray Ferns Restorative Services. She served as a Strike Force member, Past & Current Gold Member of Correctional Peace Officer Foundation. June was voted VCA Member of the year 2014 ACA & VCA. Mrs. Williams-Hopson has served previously on the VCA Board in the office of At-Large Board Member Membership Chair and is currently serving as past VCA President.
Libbie Miller (Secretary)
Libbie Miller is the Manager of the Data Collection and Analytical Support Unit within the Virginia Department of Corrections’ Research Unit. Since 2016, she has assisted in the development of technical, statistical, and research findings that are used to support the strategic goals and efforts of the agency. Prior to joining the Department of Corrections, Libbie spent nine years as the Senior Research Manager for Scantron Corporation. While there she oversaw the Research and Statistics Department, as well as designing evaluations and conducting research projects to support external and internal client needs. Libbie graduated from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College with an BA degree in Biology. She then went on to earn a MS degree in Poultry Science from Virginia Tech, as well as a Doctorate degree in Human Genetics from Virginia Commonwealth University. Libbie has served previously on the VCA Board in the office of Secretary and as a past VCA President. Currently serving as VCA Secretary.
Curly R. Sellers (Vice President)
Curly R. Sellers began her career in 1998 as a Grievance Coordinator at Greensville Correctional Center. She was promoted to Counselor in 1998 and then Clinical Social Worker in 1999. In 2000, she became Treatment Program Supervisor at Indian Creek Correctional Center. She left this position in 2004 to work with the Department of Rehabilitation until she got the call to come back home to DOC in January 2008. In 2004, Ms. Sellers became a Certified Substance Abuse counselor with the state of Virginia. She came back as a Re-entry Specialist in 2008 and then in 2010 promoted to Unit Manager at St. Brides Correctional Center. In 2013 she was promoted to Chief of Housing and Program where she opened River North Correctional Center a level 4 institution. Ms. Sellers graduated from Tidewater Community College in 1993 with an AS degree in Education. She went on to get her Bachelor degree in 1994 in Human Services Counseling from Old Dominion University. Curly later on continued her education by obtaining a Master’s degree in Counseling in 1997 from Hampton University. Curly has served on the board of Parks and Recreation and Industrial Development in the City of Galax. She has served on many planning committees throughout Virginia and other states. She also enjoys being a motivational/ inspirational speaker. She likes energizing her audience and getting them involved. Ms. Sellers is a small business owner of Platinum’s Event Planning where she works as a Certified Event Planner. Ms. Sellers was appointed by the Board at their March 10th, 2021 meeting to fill the vacancy created by the election of June T. Williams-Hopson as President-Elect.Curly Sellers currently serving her 2nd term of Vice President. Member of the following Organizations: American Correctional Association,Virginia Correctional Association,Southern States Correctional Association, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority INC, Order of Eastern Star, Lifetime member of National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice.
Lois Fegan has twenty-three years of progressively responsible experience working in the adultcorrections system, including non-profits, local, and state government systems. For 17 years,Loisworked in the Virginia Department of Corrections in a variety of research, operational, and management roles. Lois’s experience includes working in multiple male and female facilities and managing statewide programs in the Division of Administration and in the Division of Operations. Lois has extensive experience managing restrictive housing populations, to include case management, operations management, and as Chief of the agency restrictive housing program. Lois joined the Crime and Justice Institute in September 2024 as a Senior Policy Specialist on the Restrictive Housing team. Lois works with multiple states across the country on a variety of restrictive housing topics, including policy and procedure development, implementation assistance, staff wellness, training, and other project management assistance. Lois has a bachelor’s degree from Lebanon Valley College in Sociology and Criminal Justice, a master’s degree from the University of Baltimore in Criminal Justice and Corrections and is a certified Project Management Professional. Lois has completed advanced leadership courses through the Virginia Performance Management Institute and is a long-standing member of the American Correctional Association. Lois lives in Richmond, Virginia with her family and enjoys reading, hiking and traveling.
Sheriff Crawford served in the field of criminal justice and law enforcement for over 40 years. Over 28 years with the Virginia Department of Corrections and as the Sheriff of Petersburg for 15+ years. Sheriff Crawford was the first African American female to be elected unanimously as president of the Virginia Sheriffs Association. She was also elected unanimously as president of the Virginia Sheriffs Institute. during her first term as Sheriff, she received the national designation of Certified Jail Manager through the Jail Manager Certification Commission (JMCC), by authority of the American Jail Association. This prestigious certification documents that mastery of a strong level of knowledge in the specialty and demonstrates continuing education and growth. Not only did Sheriff Crawford received this national designation; she has been recognized and appointed by the Honorable Timothy Kaine, former Governor of Virginia, to the Adult Fatality Review Team and now serves on the Department of Criminal Justice Services Board, appointed and reappointed by former Governor Terry McAuliffe. She has been a member of the National Sheriff’s Association Domestic Violence Committee for a number of years and Vice Chair of the Petersburg Task Force on Domestic Violence. Sheriff Crawford has received numerous awards and certificates for her years of service and work in the community.2017 Petersburg Chamber of Commerce-Hometown Heroes Award and noted as one of twelve “Politically Unusual” elected officials across the country in the “O” (Oprah) magazine in November, 2012. From 2014 until 2017, Sheriff Crawford was the only African American Female Sheriff in the United States; Sheriff Crawford is the only Sheriff in the Commonwealth of Virginia to attain the certification by the Department of Justice as a PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) auditor. Sheriff Crawford was formally honored with 2 resolutions in her honor for her dedication and community service from the House of Delegates, HJ 332 and by the Senate, Senate Joint Bill 182.Sheriff Crawford was appointed to the Governor of Virginia, Ralph Northam’s Transitional Team in 2018.She was honored by the General Assembly-House of Delegates in 2018 with Joint Resolution, HJ 274, in honor of and for her service to her community and state. She was recently elected (2020) as the Third Vice President of the Virginia Association of Local Elected Constitutional Officers (VALECO). Most recently, in 2020, Sheriff Crawford was honored by the Petersburg Chamber of Commerce with the F. Nathaniel Gatlin Award for her service to the local community. Sheriff Crawford is married to Leon Crawford, a retired military officer and they have 5 children, Latricia, Roderick, Cornell II, Leon and Courtney and 14 Grandchildren and 3 Great Grandchildren. Her mother is retired educator Esther T. Reese (deceased in 2000). Sheriff Crawford is a past President of the VCA and now serves as VCA At-Large Board Member.
Sheriff Ernest L. Giles, Sr.(At-Large Board Member)
Sheriff Giles has served the citizens of Sussex County for more than 28 years. He was hired by Sheriff E. S. Kitchen, Jr. as a deputy sheriff assigned to the jail. After several years he transferred to Patrol and was promoted through the ranks until he was appointed by Sheriff Raymond R. Bell as Chief Deputy. After the untimely death of Sheriff Bell, he became Sheriff. Sheriff Giles has been active in the Virginia Sheriff's Association, the Virginia Correctional Association, and has been a leader in advocating for the senior citizens of Sussex County. Sheriff Giles continues to promote safety and security for his constituents and has led in updating technology and infrastructure of his department. He is a lifelong citizen of Sussex County.Ernest Giles currently serves as VCA At-Large Board Member.
Charles J.(Chuck) Kehoe (At-Large Board Member)
Chuck Kehoe has been a member of VCA for over 30 years. He regularly attends the monthly VCA Business Meetings and volunteers for various assignments. Chuck is a Past President of the American Correctional Association. Chuck has been employed in corrections for 56 years and has been the director of three agencies. Even when he was not on the Board, Chuck provided valuable insight into the past history of the Association, and faithfully attends the monthly Board meetings. Chuck currently is a member of the Board as VCA At-Large Member.
Warden Edmonds has recently retired from the Virginia Department of Corrections, having served as warden at several facilities; most recently at Greensville Correctional Center. He has served VCA previously as an Officer as Treasurer of VCA, and as an At-Large Board Member. Mr. Edmonds currently is a member of the Board as VCA At-Large Board Member.
Ms. Blakey is a Registered Nurse, who has over 10 years of experience devoted to correctional healthcare within the Virginia Department of Corrections and other private institutions. She has recently worked as a Nurse Educator for the American Correctional Association. Currently she has accepted a position as a wage nurse at State Farm Work Center. Nurse Blakey is passionate and committed to promoting health for those that are justice involved and collaborating with those who work in the field of criminal justice. Courtney Blakey currently serves as VCA At-Large Board Member.
Mark H Murphy(At-Large Board Member)
Mr. Murphy is a Licensed Professional Counselor, licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia. He has over 20 years of experience providing counseling to men, women, and adolescents. Mark is an experienced Health Services Director with a demonstrated history of working in the correctional and behavioral health industry. Skilled in 6 Sigma, Medical and Behavioral Health Integration, Team Building, and Healthcare Management. He is a strong healthcare services professional with a Master of Science (MS) focused in Community and College Counseling from Longwood University. Mr. Murphy. currently serves as VCA At-Large Board Member.
Sheriff Jose Quiroz(At-Large Board Member)
Sheriff Jose Quiroz moved to Arlington with his family when he was 5 years old. Sheriff Quiroz’s parents are both proud immigrants from Honduras. Sheriff Quiroz attended Arlington Public Schools: Abingdon Elementary School, Kenmore Middle School, and Swanson Middle School. After graduating from Bishop Denis J. O’Connell High School, Sheriff Quiroz joined the United States Marine Corps and served four years of active duty and was honorably discharged as a non-commissioned officer in 2001. In January of 2023, he was appointed Sheriff of Arlington County and was elected the 19th Sheriff of Arlington County in November of 2023. Sheriff Quiroz is the first sheriff of Latino descent in Arlington County and the first elected sheriff of Latino descent in the commonwealth of Virginia. Sheriff Quiroz is a graduate of the National Sheriff’s Institute Leadership and Jail Administration course, the Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs Virginia Sheriff’s Institute program, the University of Nebraska at Omaha School of Criminology and Criminal Justice Jail Executive Institute leadership program and is also a member of the Virginia Sheriff’s Association, National Sheriff’s Association, American Jail Association, American Correctional Association, USS Arlington Community Alliance and the Optimist Club of Arlington. Sheriff Quiroz lives in Arlington with his wife and two children. Jose Quiroz currently serves as VCA At-Large Board Member.
Caroel Selby(At-Large Board Member)
Mr. Shelby retired from the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice, January 1, 2008, after a span of 35 years of service. He began his career in Juvenile Justice as a teacher in March 1972 at what was known as Beaumont School for Boys located in Powhatan, Virginia. In 1974, he was promoted to Assistant Superintendent for Treatment Programs and later promoted to Superintendent August 1, 1977 and served until May 1, 1987 at which time he was promoted to a Regional Program Manager until being assigned in 1999 to the Office of Inspector General, where he served as a Certification Analyst, ensuring Quality Assurance of Community-based, Residential Group Homes and Detention Homes assigned him. Also, Caroel made the Virginia Department of Corrections history book entitled, “The History of Corrections,” by author: Paul W. Keve. Caroel is a Professional Member of, the Southern States Correctional Association, the Virginia Correctional Association/American Association (ACA), and serves as an ACAAuditor for Juvenile Program since March 2002. Also, a former volunteer for OAR-Offender Aid & Restoration with the Richmond City Jail for low-risk offenders 1973-1974, former Community Advisory Board Member of Deep Meadows Correctional Center and past VCA President, 1990-1991. A VEGA member and the Virginia Sheriff’s Institute. He is the holder of: a B.A., in History & Government from Saint Augustine’s College, Raleigh North Carolina, 1968, graduate courses in Social Work Administration, VCU, a Certificate in Safety and Risk Control, VCU, June 2000, a Master of Divinity (M. Div.), 2011, Virginia Union University, Richmond, Virginia, a Doctor of Ministry (D. Min.), 2018, Virginia University of Lynchburg, Lynchburg, Virginia. Caroel has been active in various community organizations oriented toward youth/young adults’ programs as a way of giving back to the community. Presently, the serves as an Ordained Associated Minister at First Antioch Baptist Church, Powhatan since October 18, 2009. Recently, he was elected the 2024-2026 Moderator, of The James River District Baptist Association consisting of Churches from the Vicinity of Goochland, Powhatan and Lousia areas. Caroel is married to Deacon Jacqueline Jones Selby, a native of Raleigh North Carolina. They have four adult children, three grandsons, one granddaughter and five great-granddaughters.