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Texas Corrections Association is dedicated to providing a forum for promoting quality correctional practices through professional growth, leadership, mentorship and education. TCA is organized to anticipate and respond to the needs of our members, clients and the general public.
President's Message
2019 - 2020 President
Pamela ThielkeTexas Department of Criminal Justice — Parole Division
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as president of the Texas Corrections Association (TCA). Being sworn in on June 5, 2019, was a very humbling experience, being surrounded by some of the most amazing criminal justice professionals working in Texas today. As we were joined by TCA past presidents, my thoughts were about how each and every one of them present, has influenced me in my career. They have been mentors, colleagues and friends that offer their support consistently and without fail. This is what TCA is all about – developing lifetime relationships.
My career in Texas began as a parole officer in 1989, with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Parole Division. My initial experiences in working with offenders as a parole officer piqued my curiosity to understand the challenges and comprehend the decision-making process of so many of them that resulted involvement in the criminal justice system. I was inquisitive and relentless in my desire to learn from others who taught and mentored me. My career includes working as a Unit Supervisor, Program Specialist, Parole Supervisor, Assistant Region Director, Section Director, Deputy Director, and I am currently the Director of the Parole Division.
Texas Corrections Association has been an incredible opportunity for me to meet others in the field of criminal justice, learn from them and share knowledge. As a member for over 15 years, I want the experience of each member of TCA to be as fulfilling and educational as mine has been. We have grown our membership and our most recent attendance at the annual summer conference reflected the growth and desire for our peers to learn from the best, stay on top of and ahead of trends that will help us guide, support and redirect those that require our assistance. Collaboration has never been so important, as we strive to become a seamless system that reflects connectivity among criminal justice professionals, as at any point intervention may be required.
As a member of TCA, you should continue to look forward to conferences packed with high caliber, informative speakers that leave you wanting to return to your office and share the new knowledge, implement a program, or modify your current strategies. We intend to continue to grow in membership, so we can do just that.
Our ‘Special Populations Conference’ formerly known as our Mid-Winter Conference, is set for November 13-15, 2019. As our conference committee actively develops the agenda, please reach out to anyone on the Board with conference suggestions. At this same time, we are beginning the planning for the 2020 Annual Conference next Summer. Again, know that your feedback and suggestions are welcome by the Board.
We will be adding a few new products to our TCA memorabilia line and will initiate a marketing committee, making it easy to not only pay membership dues online, but purchase TCA products as well.
Lastly, but no less important, TCA award categories are listed on this website. Please take a look at them and be called to recognize a peer or associate that deserves acknowledgment that each of those awards exemplifies. The individuals are recognized at the summer conference. We will remind members of due dates in upcoming website updates. Our 2020-2021 scholarship application is now available online, so please encourage females studying a career in Criminal Justice to apply.
Thank you for your support and all that you do in keeping Texas safe and changing the lives of Justice Involved Individuals. You represent Texas corrections and the Texas Corrections Association well!
