California Probation Leaders Honored at 2025 Awards

Post December 19, 2025

The Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) is proud to recognize exceptional probation professionals and partners from across the state whose leadership, service, and dedication are making a real difference in California communities. The 2025 Statewide CPOC Awards spotlight individuals who go above and beyond, strengthening public safety, supporting accountability, and helping people move toward lasting change.

The articles below feature some highlights of the 2025 award recipients, highlighting their impact at the community level and the critical role probation plays every day in building safer, better communities.

Fresno County’s Chief Kirk Haynes named Chief Probation Officer of the Year for 2025

From the FOX 26 and Hanford Sentinel.

December 9, 2025 – Chief Kirk Haynes of the Fresno County Probation Department has been honored as the 2025 Chief Probation Officer of the Year by the Chief Probation Officers of California.

The award, which is rarely given, recognizes extraordinary leadership and transformative contributions to the probation profession.

The last award was presented nearly a decade ago in 2016.

CPOC President Chief Steve Jackson praised Haynes, saying, “Chief Haynes represents the very best of our profession. He is a leader who inspires trust, elevates people, and strengthens systems wherever he serves.” Jackson highlighted Haynes’ integrity and leadership, which have significantly shaped Fresno County’s success and guided statewide efforts through challenging policy landscapes.

Article December 8, 2025

Orange County Probation Department’s Kim Olgren-Potter Recognized with Probation Affiliate Employee of the Year Award for Exceptional Leadership

From the Huntington Beach News.

December 8, 2025 – Kim Olgren-Potter, Business Services Deputy Director for the Orange County Probation Department and a long-serving leader within the Probation Business Managers Association (PBMA), has been honored at the statewide 2025 Annual Chief Probation Officers of California Awards Ceremony with the Affiliate Employee of the Year Award for PBMA. This award recognizes Kim’s exceptional commitment to the probation profession, her leadership in advancing fiscal and administrative excellence, and her dedication to supporting probation professionals throughout California.

“Kim’s steadfast dedication to PBMA and her willingness to continually step up for her colleagues make her incredibly deserving of this recognition,” said Daniel Hernandez, Chief Probation Officer of Orange County. “Her knowledge, mentorship, and commitment to strengthening our profession and our communities have made a profound impact on Orange County and on probation departments statewide.”

Article December 9, 2025

Butte County Judge Wins CPOC Statewide Award for Judicial Excellence

From the Action News Now.

December 8, 2025 – The Honorable Jesus Rodriguez, Assistant Presiding Judge of the Butte County Superior Court, received the Judicial Officer of the Year Award at the 2025 Annual Chief Probation Officers of California Awards Ceremony held in Redding. This recognition highlights his exceptional leadership and commitment to justice and rehabilitation.

“Judge Rodriguez exemplifies judicial excellence in every respect with fairness, empathy, professionalism, and humanity,” said Melissa Romero, Chief Probation Officer of Butte County.

Article December 9, 2025

Placer County Probation’s Dean Dittman Receives CPOC Statewide Recognition with Affiliate Employee of the Year Award

From the Placer Sentinel.

December 8, 2025 – Dean Dittmann, a longtime leader within the Probation IT Managers Association (PITMA), a driving force behind the affiliate’s statewide growth, and a valued member of the Placer County Probation Department, has been honored at the statewide 2025 Annual Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) Awards Ceremony with the PITMA Employee of the Year Award. This award recognizes Dean’s visionary leadership, his commitment to elevating IT services for Probation Departments throughout California, and his remarkable ability to build connection and community within the probation profession.

“Dean’s leadership has helped transform how probation impacts our communities and brings people together to enhance the probation profession not just here in Placer County but throughout the entire state,” said Chief Brian Passenheim, Chief Probation Officer of Placer County. “His creativity, authenticity, and ability to foster collaboration have made a profound difference in how our teams connect and work together.”

Article December 10, 2025

Roberto Morfin recognized as California North Region Employee of the Year at Statewide Probation Awards Ceremony

From the Lake County News.

December 10, 2025 – Roberto Morfin, supervising deputy probation officer with the Lake County Probation Department, has been recognized at the statewide 2025 Annual Chief Probation Officers of California Awards Ceremony as the North Region Probation Employee of the Year.

The awards honored his exceptional leadership, transformative impact on department operations, and deep commitment to supporting justice-involved individuals and staff alike.

“Roberto is a dedicated leader who brings consistency, compassion, and professionalism into every part of his work,” said Lake County Chief Probation Officer Wendy Mondfrans. “His ability to lead with integrity while strengthening our programs and staff makes him an invaluable member of our department. His work helps people in the justice system take part in transformative rehabilitation programs, making our communities safer for everyone.”

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