Elevating Leadership Skills for Jail Professionals
Summit Highlights
October 2-4, 2024 | Palm Springs, California
More than 100 jail professionals met in Palm Springs, California, on October 2-4, 2024, for AJA's Elevating Leadership Skills for Jail Professionals Summit to share best practices, address pressing challenges, and explore innovative and forward-thinking solutions for improving facility operations and boosting the leadership skills you already possess. The three-day event featured an opening panel, a keynote address, several workshops and facilitated events, a tour of John J. Benoit Detention Center, and networking with colleagues.
AJA's Leadership Summit was a critical forum for learning and collaboration. It delved into the most pressing issues and opportunities facing correctional leadership today. Through a mix of speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities with experienced leaders, attendees gained valuable insights and practical strategies to take back to their facilities to enhance operational facility, improve staff development and well-being, and improve leadership skills. With a focus on leadership development, strategic planning, and best practices, this Summit equipped participants with the knowledge, tools, and connections needed to excel in their roles to shape the future of corrections. The Summit kicked off with a tour of John J. Benoit Detention Center. The tours were popular with attendees and all available spaces were filled.
At the Networking Welcome Reception on Wednesday, October 2, attendees enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and drinks as they caught up with old and new friends.
The Summit officially began the following morning with the opening panel, led by AJA President Shawn Laughlin, MCJ, CJM, and Summit Co-Chairs and AJA Board members Jonathan Ede, MSCJ, CJM and Jared Schechter, MS, CJM, CCM. AJA's Executive Director, Chris Daniels, MPA, CAE introduced the Keynote Speaker, Marc Hildebrand, a former Los Angeles Police Officer. The room was packed as he led his presentation, titled, "The Power of One: Leading Yourself, Your Team, and Your Family to Success." Hildebrand shared powerful strategies to help you lead yourself, your team, and your family without sacrificing what matters most. Attendees learned how to set the stage for personal and professional success, make tough decisions with confidence, and become "The One" who changes the game for their careers, their family, and their community. Attendees also received a copy of Hildebrand's book, "Mastering Your Life Through Self Coaching."
Summit attendees had several workshops to choose from that best fit where they were currently and where they are heading in their leadership journey. AJA offered several workshops for both mid-level and executive correctional leaders, as well as several facilitated events. Renowned subject matter experts covered all aspects of some of the most challenging situations jail leaders face on a daily basis. Topics included: effective communication, time management, staff discipline, quiet quitting, executive decision-making, mental and physical health, jail crises, toxic work culture, and so much more.
Attendees also had opportunities to take a beverage break and meet with exhibitors and sponsors, as well as networking lunches. We had a record number of sponsors that participated in the fall Summit. We want to thank NCIC Communications, Guardian RFID, Whalls Group, Contract Pharmacy Services, Garrett, Willo, Vistar, Shat-R-Shield, BMS Anchorpad, Real Time Detention, and the Jail and Justice Support Center.
The summit ended with a closing lunch, where prizes were given to those who participated in the bingo game. Players had the opportunity to win a free registration to the 2025 Annual Conference & Jail Expo in Fort Worth, Texas, May 17-21.
Summit attendees left Palm Springs with a new sense of pride in their leadership abilities and best practices, new strategies, and solutions to make a great impact in their facilities, family, and community. A big thank you to our attendees, sponsors, exhibitors, and the Summit Planning Committee for helping make our fourth annual Fall Summit a success!
THANK YOU
Exhibitors & Sponsors!
