33rd Annual Symposium - 2019

33rd Annual Statewide Symposium 

Held in Region 3

When: Wednesday, September 18th -to- Friday, September 20th 

Where: Red Lion Hotel, 205 Wolf Road, Albany, NY

The New York State Minorities in Criminal Justice, Inc. (NYSMICJ) Region 3 is hosting NYSMICJ’s 33rd Annual Symposium at the Red Lion Hotel in Albany, New York Wednesday, September 18th through Friday, September 20th, 2019. This annual symposium has something for everyone, including an opening plenary, special guest speakers, 13 unique workshops, a membership meeting, amazing vendors and of course the Commissioner’s Forum.

Breakfast and lunch are provided and there are breaks throughout the conference to network and check out our fabulous vendors.

New this year is a Membership Dinner on Wednesday, September 18th. This dinner is open to any dues paying member. Membership can be added to your registration for $35.00.This dinner is to give back to the best part of NYSMICJ, you, the members.

SYMPOSIUM HIGHLIGHTS

Opening Plenary "Shifting to Solutions"

Special Guest Speaker 

Keynotes:

• Dr. L. Oliver Robinson, Superintendent of Schools at Shenendehowa Central School District 
• Craig D. Apple Sr., Albany County Sheriff 

13 Unique   Workshops

Vendors

The Commissioner’s Forum

Networking Opportunities

Membership Dinner

To learn more about Region 3 click the button below

A. HERSTORY – Write Your Story

Victoria Roberts, Nassau County Re-Entry Taskforce

If you had the opportunity to change a heart, a policy or a mind, what would you write? What moment (aka page one moment) that has affected you? An introduction to the HERSTORY Writing Workshop will allow participants to write about the moment that forever changed them. This workshop can be the beginning of healing for many participants and can allow a person to express themselves appropriately when dealing with the systems that are described as supportive. 

B. Medicare upon Turning 65

Candy Marrero, Worksite Benefits, Inc. 

Understanding our Medicare eligibility and benefits when turning 65.

C. Yoga for Stress Reduction and Self-Care

Sarah Wilday, Hot Warrior Yoga

A 90 minute session guiding participants through a Yoga for Stress Reduction practice appropriate for the working environment. The practice portion will include breathe work, some poses that can be done seated, and a brief standing flow that we will go through as a group. This is a gentle practice, appropriate for all fitness levels. Participants will leave the session with a simple sequence they can utilize at work or anywhere with no props required (handout), an introduction to the benefits of Yoga, and a reminder of their ability to access inner peace. 

D. New York State Retirement

Devin Bruno, Office of the New York State Comptroller

Understanding the NYS Retirement System and how it can work for you.

E. Work/Life Balance, Being Able to Identify the Difference

Mercedes Jones, Department of Corrections and Community Supervision

Identifying the unhealthy approach to work/life balancing and the physical/mental drain it creates versus the absolute freedom and happiness that comes from knowing how to separate work and personal life. Learning how to utilize the tools within us to determine when the line becomes blurred. 

F. How to Build Financial Security 

Steven Hunt, Northwestern Mutual

Many people don't even know where to begin when it comes to financial planning. This presentation covers the five key considerations: know where you are today, picture where you want to be, grow your savings, protect your assets and ability to earn an income, and make your money last. 

G. Three Steps Behind - Combating delays in reaction time for Law Enforcement

Matthew Mallory, Public Safety and Education (PS&Ed)

You may have heard the statements “You can never draw on a drawn gun!” and “Your body can't go where your mind has never been.” Have you ever asked yourself why that is and is it true? To answer these questions and more, we will delve into cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to challenge your mind by testing your motor cortex aka muscle memory and effect change by building better neural pathways. The goal will be to improve your response time as well as the type of response you present under extreme duress. This course opens your mind and is the tip of the iceberg towards forming the best response to a threatening encounter. It truly can be the difference between life and death!

H. Social Security & Medicare

Carrie Swiatek, Foresters Financial Services, Inc.

What Baby Boomers need to know about to maximize retirement income and managing health care expenses in retirement.

I. Diversity and Inclusion

Michael Washington, Director, Diversity and Inclusion Management, NYS Department of Civil Service

Exploring diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace.

J. Financial Planning and understand your NYS pension

Malcolm Douglas, CGAA/Malcolm Douglas and Associates

Information and education NYS pension and best solutions including the naming of beneficiaries during and after retirement. Including the hows and whys of the 457 (Deferred Comp) and other financial instruments needed for a smooth transition into retirement. 

K. Check Y.U.R. Chicken: How to Stop a Self-Defeating Mindset

Naomi D. Jones RN, Consults Unlimited Inc.

We all look for success in life, business and our careers. What exactly is success? How do I get it? What is keeping me from this success? It starts between the ears! Your self-talk!  We all have an all too familiar voice that lives in our head. Sadly, that voice is often the one that will talk you out of your greatness. It is the voice that will often say “Are you sure? Are you good enough? You can’t do that! That’s for someone else not you!” This is the voice of the ‘chickens’. These conversations and stories of our experiences influence everything that we do. Dealing with difficult populations and other distractions can trigger those self-defeating thought patterns causing us to be less effective, less productive and less happy. Check Y.U.R. Chicken is a process where you learn to stop your self-defeating mindset so that success becomes easier by having the right conversation with yourself. Participants will: gain insight into common internal obstacles to success; understand how passion and purpose can create more joy in your life and career; and learn 3 concrete ways to change your thinking that you can implement right away. Don’t let these mindsets stop you from living life passionately and with meaning (purpose). Stop letting them ‘cluck’ up your life! Get out of your own way and live successfully in your life, business and career! 

L. Surviving the 1st Year of College and Beyond: Assessing the needs of 1ST Gens and their Families

Dr. DeLois Lindsey, University of Hartford

The importance of the first year is crucially important – those who do not survive it face a wealth of feelings that can prevent students from returning. How to address key factors.

Assembly Member David I. Weprin, elected to the Assembly in a Special Election on February 9, 2010, has devoted his life to public service and making government more responsive, efficient and accountable. He is a graduate of Jamaica High School, SUNY at Albany, with a cum laude degree in Political Science, and a law degree from Hofstra University. Weprin represents the 24th Assembly District in Queens, the same district represented by his father, the late Assembly Speaker Saul Weprin for 23 years, and his brother Mark Weprin for over 15 years. In 2017, Weprin was named Chair of the Assembly Committee of Correction. Prior to serving in this role, Weprin served as Chair of the Assembly Task Force on People with Disabilities from 2014 to 2016. Weprin was also elected Co-President of the National Association of Jewish Legislators (NAJL), a bipartisan non-profit organization representing over 225 Jewish state legislators in 41 states, in January 2017.

Keith Brown: Is the Director of Health and Harm Reduction at the Katal Center for Health, Equity and Justice. As the Director he serves as an expert in Medicaid, health, case management, and harm reduction—assisting municipalities throughout the country in developing strategies addressing public health and public safety. He holds a Master’s in Public Health and a BA in Mental Health. 

John Ducksworth: Professor Ducksworth teaches at the extraordinary and longtime Masters’ Program of Theology at Sing Sing CF. He has extensive expertise and skills in delivering training on risk assessment, evidence-based research, and grant writing, among other areas. His most recent assignment was with the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services, Washington, DC as a Special Assistant to the Director for Restorative Justice Programs. He holds Masters’ Degrees in Public Administration and Professional Studies and a Bachelor’s of Science degree. He is published and an ordained minister. 

Ana Enright: Ms. Enright is the Deputy Commissioner for Community Supervision with NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervisions. In addition to program development and policy making/implementation, she has direct over-sight of State-wide Parole Operations and Re-Entry efforts. She is a certified trainer in Domestic Violence in the workplace and in community. She is member of the Governor’s DCJS County Re-Entry Task Force. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice. 

El Hadji Gueye: Is the Forensic Unit Chief for the Office of Mental Health (OMH). He is assigned to the OMH Satellite Unit at Fishkill Correctional Facility. Employed with OMH since 2010, Mr. Gueye leads a staff of professionals that provide mental health services to approximately 700 inmates. He holds two Masters’ Degrees, a Bachelors’ degree, and is a credentialed alcohol and substance counselor. 

Ann Jacobs: Is the Director of the Prisoner’s Reentry Institute based at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She is considered one of the nation’s renowned Reentry experts having been involved in this ever-important aspect for over forty years. Most recently she assisted in the development of the “Prison to College Pipeline” at the Otisville CF. that forms the cover of the John Jay College of Criminal Justice Sp/2019 publication entitled “JUSTICEMATTERS”. She holds a Bachelors’ Degree in Sociology. 

Derek Zimmerman, JD- Is a professor at the John Jay School of Criminal Justice in the Law, Police Science & Criminal Justice Administration Department wherein he teaches courses on Race, Class, & Gender and the Rehabilitation of the Offender. He is a retired Supervising Probation Officer of the NYS Department of Probation where he specialized in conducting defendant investigations. As a certified Professional Arbitrator/Compliance Director he has rendered numerous financial security rulings. Professor Zimmerman holds a Law and MBA degrees.

Dr. L. Oliver Robinson was appointed to the 10-member Board by the Commissioner of Education in December 2010. He previously held the same position for the Rotterdam-Mohonasen Central School District. Dr. Robinson was elected vice president of the Board in July 2019. He chairs the Audit committee and serves on the Compensation, Disability Review, Ethics, Executive, Investment and Retired Members committees.An adjunct faculty member and lecturer at several Capital District colleges and universities, Dr. Robinson has also served in New York public schools as an assistant superintendent for business and a school business administrator. A graduate of Brown University, he earned his Ph.D. and M.S. from the State University of New York at Albany. 

A published author, Dr. Robinson's professional affiliations include the New York State Council of School Superintendents, American Association of School Administrators, and Southern Saratoga Chamber of Commerce. He also serves on the New York State Education Department Commissioner's Advisory Council. 

Craig D. Apple Sr. became Sheriff of Albany County in 2011. He has served in the Albany County Sheriff’s Office since 1987. Beginning as a Correction Officer, he became a Deputy Sheriff in 1989, an Investigator in 1991, a Sergeant in 1993 and a Lieutenant in 1995 when he supervised the Criminal Investigations Unit. In 1997, he was promoted to Patrol Commander and had oversight of a Patrol Division that covered approximately 375 square miles. In 1999 he was promoted to Chief Deputy Field Commander. In that role he was Commanding Officer in charge of the Law Enforcement Division and had oversight of the County Correctional Facility. In 2009, he became Undersheriff, the commanding officer in charge of all Sheriff’s operations with oversight of 720 employees and an $80 million operating budget. 

Anthony Annucci, Esq. was appointed Acting Commissioner of the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), in 2013. He joined DOCCS in 1984 as Deputy Counsel and rose to the Executive Deputy Commissioner’s position prior to his current position. He has long been a leader in sentencing reform and correctional program legislation; he has drafted legislation which has been signed into law by five Governors. As Acting Commissioner, he focuses on safety for staff, inmates and parolees while devoting time and attention to the use of evidence-based programs designed to reduce recidivism. Mr. Annucci holds a bachelor’s degree from Fordham University, a master’s degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law. 

Elizabeth Cronin, Esq. was appointed Director of the NYS Office of Victim Services in 2013. She was previously the Director of the Office of Legal Affairs for the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, an Adjunct Professor in Criminal Justice and Sociology at Pace University, Assistant District Attorney and Deputy Bureau Chief Westchester County. Director Cronin serves on the NYS Domestic Violence Advisory council, Domestic Violence Fatality review, NYS Sentencing Commission, Women in Courts. She is an author, public speaker on legal and administrative topics including prosecuting domestic violence cases. Ms. Cronin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics from Fairfield University and a Juris Doctor from Pace University School of Law. 

Donna L. Hall, Ph.D. is an Associate Commissioner, Division of Forensics Services with the NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH). She has worked in the criminal justice and mental health fields for nearly 40 years. Ms. Hall began her career working with public defense attorneys advocating on behalf of indigent criminal defendants. Dr. Hall teaches graduate classes at SUNY Albany’s Rockefeller College in the areas of research, statistics and forensic mental health. 

Steven James is a Deputy Superintendent having served more than 30 years with the NYS Police. His service has been in the rank of Trooper, Investigator, Sergeant, Senior Investigator, Lieutenant, Captain, Major and Staff Inspector. His experience spans narcotics enforcement, criminal investigations, field command, internal affairs and the professional standards bureau. Mr. James holds a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Albany and a master’s degree from Marist College. 

Dr. Farooq Mallick is an Associate Commissioner for the Office of Facilities Management for the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), Division of Juvenile Justice and Opportunities for Youth. He has served more than 25 years with OCFS in the capacity as Acting Facility Director at Brookwood Secure Center, Director of Highland Residential Center and various Assistant Director positions. Dr. Mallick holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Punjab and a Medical degree from King Edward Medical College 

Allen Riley was designated Chairman of the Commission of Correction in 2018. He previously served as the Madison County Sheriff heading an agency with over 160 employees. He had oversight for the Madison County Child Advocacy Center which investigated child physical and sexual abuse cases. Prior to the sheriff’s office, Mr. Riley was a 27-year veteran of the New York State Police. He served in various positions including an investigator, narcotics and explosive detection K-9 handler and field training officer. He was also a member of the Commission on Youth, Public Safety and Justice. He attended Morrisville State College. 

Tina M. Stanford, Esq. was appointed Chairwoman for the NYS Board of Parole in 2013. Ms. Stanford is dedicated to the protection and safety of the public and has provided service as Director of the NYS Office of Victim Services, on the Bar Foundation of Erie County, the NYS Domestic Violence Advisory Council, Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking, Violence Against Women Act Advisory Committee and Disaster Preparedness Commission. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Fordham University’s Honors Program and a Juris Doctor degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo Law School. 

Mark E. White is the First Deputy Commissioner for the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). He is responsible for the daily administration of the agency and assists in formulating criminal justice and public safety policy. Prior to becoming First Deputy, Mr. White served as the Deputy Commissioner for the Office of Youth Justice within DCJS. Mr. White holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa and a master’s from the University of New Haven. 

Eric Hawkins was sworn in as Albany, New York’s 25th Police Chief in September of 2018. Chief Hawkins began his law enforcement career with the Southfield, Michigan Police Department in 1990, and was formally appointed as police chief in October of 2012. Chief Hawkins earned a Juris Doctor from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University, a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Central Michigan University, and an Associate’s in Business Administration from Oakland Community College. He is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy, Eastern Michigan University’s School of Police Staff and Command, the FBI Command Institute for Police Executives, and Central Michigan University’s Law Enforcement and School Liaison Program Institute.