PRESS RELEASE

California Probation Chiefs Elect New President and Executive Officers for 2023

Sacramento, Calif. – January 18, 2022 – The Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) announced the election of its 2023 executive officers: President Chief Jennifer Branning (Lassen County), President Elect Chief Kelly Vernon (Kings County), and Secretary/Treasurer Chief Steve Jackson (San Joaquin County).

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead as the President of the Chief Probation Officers of California,” said Chief Jennifer Branning, newly elected President of the Chief Probation Officers of California. “As the first president from Lassen County, I am honored to represent my colleagues and to continue probation’s vital work in both the justice system and our communities. This year, we will continue the important work of probation – creating safer communities through providing accountability and rehabilitative opportunity for justice-involved individuals.”

“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Chief John Keene for his exceptional leadership and dedication to the Chief Probation Officers of California over the past year,” added Chief Branning. “His contributions have been invaluable and have greatly impacted our organization. I thank him for his service and commitment to improving the lives of those in our communities.”

Chief Jennifer Branning has been a dedicated member of the Lassen County Probation Department for 17 years, and her passion for serving her community led to her appointment as Chief Probation Officer in March 2013. As an active member of the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) Executive Committee, she currently holds the position of President-Elect. She takes pride in working and living in a rural community, where the department is constantly challenged to think outside the box and implement innovative solutions to meet the unique needs of the population they serve.

“I have no doubt that Chief Jennifer Branning will excel as the President of the Chief Probation Officers of California,” said Chief John Keene, former President of the Chief Probation Officers of California. “Chief Branning has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field, and her leadership skills and dedication to the betterment of the community will undoubtedly guide probation in the right direction.”

The Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC), is an association of all 58 counties with a shared identity as law enforcement leaders. CPOC is committed to a research-based approach to public safety that promotes positive behavior change. Their leadership guides policy and practice in the areas of prevention, community-based corrections, secure detention for youth and direct human services. CPOC’s goal is to prevent crime and delinquency, reduce recidivism, restore victims and promote healthy families and communities.

For more information about CPOC, visit www.cpoc.org or follow us on twitter @CPOC_Probation

Media Contact: Laura Dixon laura@cpoc.org 510-384-3020