Candidates for President-Elect of the Virginia Correctional Association
Curly R. Sellers
Member of the following Organizations:
American Correctional Association #10647640
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
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 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.
Her motto is “I don’t have a desire to be rich, I just want to be a Blessing to All"
Member of the following Organizations:
American Correctional Association #10647640
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
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 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.
Her motto is “I don’t have a desire to be rich, I just want to be a Blessing to All"
Sheriff Karen E. Bowden
Professional Experience
Ms. Bowden was appointed as Sheriff of Hampton, Virginia following the untimely death of longtime Hampton Sheriff B. J. Roberts in December 2020.
She served as Undersheriff for Sheriff Roberts from June, 1998- December 26, 2020
As Undersheriff, she provided general oversight and leadership for the Corrections, Court Services, Professional Standards & Training, Administration and Medical areas of the office. The Undersheriff upholds the charge to embrace the Hampton Sheriff’s Office brand of “committed to excellence” with emphasis on safety, security, performance management and accountability.
Some of the Professional Associations Sheriff Bowden has been a member of through the years include:
Past Member of the Planning Committee for the Hampton Roads Regional Jail
Hampton Roads Regional Jail Authority Alternate Member
American Correctional Association- Member
American Correctional Association-Auditor
American Jail Association- Certified Jail Manager (CJM)
American Jail Association – Past Certified Jail Commissioner Member & Chairperson
National Sheriff’s Association
National Organization of Black Law Enforcement- Member
Virginia Correctional Association- Member
Virginia Sheriff’s Association- Member
Some of the Notable Achievements Sheriff Bowden has accomplished include:
Launched a Quality Assurance Team
Launched and Completed a Business Plan
Launched a Jail Assessment Team
Met all management and operating standards for the Virginia Department of Corrections
Received an “unqualified opinion” on annual financial statements
Developed new recruitment and orientation efforts
Developed and implemented leadership training for new leaders/managers
Developed and implemented Policy Review Committee
Selected for key leadership roles in the Sheriff’s Office, in addition to; ensuring the management and operations of the Hampton Sheriff’s Office is properly supervised , managed a staff of approximately 183 sworn and civilian staff members, and an average daily inmate population of 281 for Fiscal Year 2019. Further, the task includes the development and management of an annual budget of approximately $9.3 million dollars.
Professional Experience
Ms. Bowden was appointed as Sheriff of Hampton, Virginia following the untimely death of longtime Hampton Sheriff B. J. Roberts in December 2020.
She served as Undersheriff for Sheriff Roberts from June, 1998- December 26, 2020
As Undersheriff, she provided general oversight and leadership for the Corrections, Court Services, Professional Standards & Training, Administration and Medical areas of the office. The Undersheriff upholds the charge to embrace the Hampton Sheriff’s Office brand of “committed to excellence” with emphasis on safety, security, performance management and accountability.
Some of the Professional Associations Sheriff Bowden has been a member of through the years include:
Past Member of the Planning Committee for the Hampton Roads Regional Jail
Hampton Roads Regional Jail Authority Alternate Member
American Correctional Association- Member
American Correctional Association-Auditor
American Jail Association- Certified Jail Manager (CJM)
American Jail Association – Past Certified Jail Commissioner Member & Chairperson
National Sheriff’s Association
National Organization of Black Law Enforcement- Member
Virginia Correctional Association- Member
Virginia Sheriff’s Association- Member
Some of the Notable Achievements Sheriff Bowden has accomplished include:
Launched a Quality Assurance Team
Launched and Completed a Business Plan
Launched a Jail Assessment Team
Met all management and operating standards for the Virginia Department of Corrections
Received an “unqualified opinion” on annual financial statements
Developed new recruitment and orientation efforts
Developed and implemented leadership training for new leaders/managers
Developed and implemented Policy Review Committee
Selected for key leadership roles in the Sheriff’s Office, in addition to; ensuring the management and operations of the Hampton Sheriff’s Office is properly supervised , managed a staff of approximately 183 sworn and civilian staff members, and an average daily inmate population of 281 for Fiscal Year 2019. Further, the task includes the development and management of an annual budget of approximately $9.3 million dollars.
Captain June T. Williams-Hopson
June has been with the Virginia Department of Corrections for 22 years, starting as a Correctional Officer at Coffeewood Correctional Center in Sept, 1999, she served as a Strike Force member, Field Training Officer, General DCJS Instructor Firearms and Vehicle Operators Instructor.
Progressing to Sergeant at Virginia Correctional Center for Women (VCCW), Supervising Tools, Keys, Armory Laundry, & Therapeutic Community. Served as Strike force commander.
Currently a Captain (Training Development Coordinator Sr.) of the Security Training Unit at the Department of Corrections Academy for Staff Development starting Jan 2008,
Past & Current Gold Member of Correctional Peace Officer Foundation,
Current Board Member of ACA. (Membership Chair). Member of ACA & VCA, since 2002.
June currently holds Certifications
Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)
General Instructor,
Firearms Instructor,
Defensive Tactics, (Controlled Force)
Driver Instructor, (Vehicle Operators)
American Heart Association Basic Life Support Instructor
Other Certifications
May 2012 June was awarded Co-Facilitator of Evidence Based Practices Ray Ferns Restorative Services. July 2015 Started her Dialogue Journey Certified as Lead Skills Trainer, Working Dialogue, Coach and Central Region Circle Facilitator.
She currently holds Instructor certifications in:
Nova Electronic Devises
Armor: Glock, Windham, Remington
Comprehensive Less Lethal Instructor,
Safari land OC, Aerosol Projectors,
Specialty Impact Munitions,
Distraction Devises,
Chemical Munitions,
Graduating with Highest Honors
As a Professional Locksmith,
Thru Stratford Career Institute, Foley Belsaw Institute
June has a great deal of experience in researching and training. June has served as a member of the VCA Conference Planning Committee for 15years.
June loves the outdoors in her spare time. She loves to Ride Her Harley Davidson Ultra Classic. Camp, Fish, Hunt, Cruise, Her most recent passion is looking forward to retirement. Her Family is her world.
June has been with the Virginia Department of Corrections for 22 years, starting as a Correctional Officer at Coffeewood Correctional Center in Sept, 1999, she served as a Strike Force member, Field Training Officer, General DCJS Instructor Firearms and Vehicle Operators Instructor.
Progressing to Sergeant at Virginia Correctional Center for Women (VCCW), Supervising Tools, Keys, Armory Laundry, & Therapeutic Community. Served as Strike force commander.
Currently a Captain (Training Development Coordinator Sr.) of the Security Training Unit at the Department of Corrections Academy for Staff Development starting Jan 2008,
Past & Current Gold Member of Correctional Peace Officer Foundation,
Current Board Member of ACA. (Membership Chair). Member of ACA & VCA, since 2002.
June currently holds Certifications
Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)
General Instructor,
Firearms Instructor,
Defensive Tactics, (Controlled Force)
Driver Instructor, (Vehicle Operators)
American Heart Association Basic Life Support Instructor
Other Certifications
May 2012 June was awarded Co-Facilitator of Evidence Based Practices Ray Ferns Restorative Services. July 2015 Started her Dialogue Journey Certified as Lead Skills Trainer, Working Dialogue, Coach and Central Region Circle Facilitator.
She currently holds Instructor certifications in:
Nova Electronic Devises
Armor: Glock, Windham, Remington
Comprehensive Less Lethal Instructor,
Safari land OC, Aerosol Projectors,
Specialty Impact Munitions,
Distraction Devises,
Chemical Munitions,
Graduating with Highest Honors
As a Professional Locksmith,
Thru Stratford Career Institute, Foley Belsaw Institute
June has a great deal of experience in researching and training. June has served as a member of the VCA Conference Planning Committee for 15years.
June loves the outdoors in her spare time. She loves to Ride Her Harley Davidson Ultra Classic. Camp, Fish, Hunt, Cruise, Her most recent passion is looking forward to retirement. Her Family is her world.
Warden Dana Ratliffe-Walker
Ms. Ratliffe-Walker is the Warden of Dillwyn Correctional Center. She 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. Ms. Ratliffe-Walker transferred to Dillwyn Correctional Center in 2001 and served as one of the two counselor seniors/unit cluster managers. She returned to the Treatment Program Supervisor position at Dillwyn Correctional Center in 2003. Ms. Ratliffe-Walker was promoted to Assistant Warden at Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women in 2007. In 2012 she was transferred to Lunenburg Correctional Center as Assistant Warden. Ms. Ratliffe-Walker was promoted to the warden’s positon at Lunenburg Correctional Center in 2014. Ms. Ratliffe-Walker received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Rehabilitation Counseling and she has completed course work toward a graduate degree in Family and Community Counseling at Longwood University.
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 with a special concentration on youth development/empowerment. 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 an active member of ACA/VCA, SSCA and she is a Dialogue Practitioner Lead and an Subject Matter Specialist.
Ms. Ratliffe-Walker is the Warden of Dillwyn Correctional Center. She 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. Ms. Ratliffe-Walker transferred to Dillwyn Correctional Center in 2001 and served as one of the two counselor seniors/unit cluster managers. She returned to the Treatment Program Supervisor position at Dillwyn Correctional Center in 2003. Ms. Ratliffe-Walker was promoted to Assistant Warden at Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women in 2007. In 2012 she was transferred to Lunenburg Correctional Center as Assistant Warden. Ms. Ratliffe-Walker was promoted to the warden’s positon at Lunenburg Correctional Center in 2014. Ms. Ratliffe-Walker received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Rehabilitation Counseling and she has completed course work toward a graduate degree in Family and Community Counseling at Longwood University.
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 with a special concentration on youth development/empowerment. 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 an active member of ACA/VCA, SSCA and she is a Dialogue Practitioner Lead and an Subject Matter Specialist.