Highlights from AJA's 2025 Conference & Jail Expo

The Giddy Up & Go Welcome Reception

The 2025 Conference & Jail Expo kicked off in grand fashion at the Giddy Up & Go Welcome Reception, where an estimated 200 attendees gathered to mix, mingle, and celebrate the start of an exciting week. Guests were treated to hors d'oeuvres, featuring brisket quesadillas, spring rolls, crab cakes, and veggie shooters.

As the energy buzzed with anticipation, AJA President Shawn Laughlin took the stage to introduce the night's live entertainment: the legendary Loop Rawlins, one of the most versatile Western performers in the world. The crowd was captivated as Rawlins showcased his incredible skills in gun slinging, trick roping, and whip cracking. And he didn't keep all the fun to himself! He invited attendees into his act, including AJA Board member Linda Ahrens!

With good food, great company, and unforgettable entertainment, the Welcome Reception set the tone for an inspiring week ahead.

On Monday Morning, over 350 attendees gathered in Ballroom AB to recognize the planning and host committees and hear an inspiring keynote. The Plenary Session began with the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office's Honor Guard presenting colors, followed by the playing of the National Anthem. Chaplain Wesley McDuffie of Tarrant County then led attendees in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Afterwards, President Klucznik introduced and acknowledged the Executive Committee and special guests Sheriff Bill Wayborn and Dr. Stefan LoBuglio. Chaplain Ahrens then delivered the invocation. Following the invocation, Kevin Lodes, Director of Channel Partner Sales at ECC-Imperium, was invited to the podium to speak about his company.

Col. Brenda Dietzman (Ret.) stepped in as the keynote speaker to share her journey of personal growth and how it made her a better leader, a more engaged person, and a better example for the people in her life. She shared insights from her time in corrections, highlighting not only the challenges she faced, but the rewards she earned. Brenda encouraged attendees to reflect on their own lives, embrace intentional living, and seek personal fulfillment. Brenda challenged the audience to define what it means to "live a great story," urging them to move forward with clarity, passion, and commitment, and to "wake up and intentionally live your life."

Col. Brenda Dietzman (Ret.) is a dynamic presenter with over 28 years in law enforcement and corrections, offering evidence-based training on resilience, leadership, and women's advancement. A certified IADLEST instructor, she has spoken at major national organizations and contributed to multiple industry publications. Retiring in 2019 as undershieff in Sedgwick County, Kansas, she managed two facilities, overseeing 1400 inmates, 300 employees, and a $40 million budget. She holds a degree in Administration of Justice from Wichita State University and enjoys traveling, photography, mountain biking, and meditation.

The President's Session took place on Tuesday morning, led by President Shaun Klucznik, MA, CJM, CCHP, Board Member Fred Meyer, MA, CJM, CCHP, 3rd Vice President Jonathan Ede, MSCJ, CJM, Immediate Past President Shawn Laughlin, MCJ, CJM, and President-Elect Elsie Judon, MS, CJM, to discuss improving professionalism and standards in corrections.

President Klucznik invited Judon to the stage to discuss her recent appointment and the importance of getting certified with the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC). "This is a way to give your facility an A+ rating, showing that you have also followed the standards and guidelines that are related to healthcare in our profession." Meyer then encouraged attendees to follow NCCHC standards in their jails. If you provide incarcerated individuals effective care, they are less likely to be violent, increasing the safety of your facility and reducing in-custody deaths. He also spoke about the Harvard study that saw an 86% reduction in inmate mortality in facilities that were accredited by NCCHC.

The conversation then pivoted to AJA Hill Day, and the accomplishments AJA had on Capitol Hill. Laughlin discussed the FCC court ruling regarding inmate phone calls and the impact on public safety, as well as AJA's involvement in the case. Another topic discussed in DC was making sure that correctional officers across the country are treated fairly and recognized and respected the way they should be.

Klucznik then moved to Ede to give an update on the Jails and Justice Support Center. The JJSC provides resources and toolkits to correctional professionals. AJA is working with the JJSC to create toolkits on core competencies for jail professionals, including jail operations. He said, "We're developing content based on what we consider a safe, secure, constitutionally run facility that every jail professional should know about." Laughlin added that there is no national repository for policies and procedures, so part of AJA's partnership with JJSC is to create the first national repository for polices and procedures, including SOPs.

President Klucznik invited panelists to share their final thoughts before opening the floor to attendees for questions.