NYS Minorities in Criminal Justice Leadership

Loyce Duke, a now Former Superintendent with the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), rose to the presidency of the organization after many years of involvement with New York State Minorities in Corrections (NYSMIC) and as a forerunner in the establishment of NYSMICJ (formerly NYSMIC), in various capacities; on the Board of Directors as a advisor to the President, Program Chair, and Vice President of Region III. These times were quite turbulent with Y2K & September 11th, forcing the organization to retreat from our usual activity. Nevertheless, Ms. Duke managed to keep the organization moving forward in spite of the many forces that were attempting to stop us from being advocates for affirmative action’s within the various Criminal Justice agencies. Because of her dedication and belief in mission of the organization, stayed on for a second term! Due to her mostly single-handed efforts we were able to resume many of the organization's important activity that had won us much acclaim in our recent past as well as bring us technologically into the twenty-first century through the establishment of a website. She also presided over our conference in Fishkill, NY entitled "The Beat Goes On" which focused, perhaps more than any other, on the personal and career needs of our membership by offering workshops on the Civil Service System, Domestic Violence, and Diversity in the Workplace. We were honored to have Dr. L. Oliver Robinson, a Superintendent of Schools, give the keynote address. 

Bio coming soon 

 LaTasha Jackson  is currently the Deputy Superintendent of Administration at Queensboro Correctional Facility with the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS). Formerly a Correctional Facility Operational Specialist in the Sexual Abuse Prevention and Education Office in Albany, she has more than 22 years with DOCCS. She started as a Corrections Officer and then advancing to a Sergeant before becoming a CFOS. She has served as a member of the Statewide Board for more than five years, most recently as Financial Secretary. She has proven her commitment to the organization, continues to work tirelessly upholding the mission and has a vision of greater successes. 

Josayne Anderson-Tejera is an active member and currently the former Statewide Treasurer. She has over ten years in banking and finance; and three years as a tax professional experience. Josayne also has certification as a Forensic Accountant. She has also earned her B.S. at Excelsior College through the Memorandum of Agreement  NYSMICJ has developed as an added benefit to NYSMICJ members. Josayne brings her drive for community service and experience with the Department as well as her studies, to help the overall mission of NYSMICJ of dedication to professionalism, excellence, equal opportunity and equal justice for all.  

Bio coming soon 

Andrea Staples is a Corrections Officer at Green Haven Correctional Facility and has over 15 years with the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS). She has worked at various facilities including Bedford Hills, Fishkill and Arthur Kill before finding her home at Green Haven. Andrea has been an active NYSMICJ member for over 2 years and currently holds the position of Financial Secretary in region 4. She is a member of Diversity Management at Green Haven as well as Manager of Green Haven Hawks Basketball Team. Andrea loves coordinating with others on projects and events and is not afraid to help out whenever needed. 

Rayisha Rickets has been an active member of NYSMICJ for ,many years. She is a Correction Officer at Fishkill Correctional Facility and has over five years with the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) . Rayisha is a member of Diversity Management at Fishkill C.F. She also is a volunteer Girl Scout Leader and a mother of a vibrant third grader. Rayisha has a passion for bringing people together, organizing fundraisers and group activities. She is a great team player and always willing to lend a helping hand.  

Michael Hurt began his professional career with the great state of New York; and the experience inspired him to think differently.  He started M. Hurt Supply, a heating, plumbing, and industrial supply company in Albany, New York.  Michael held the company successfully for 16 years; and with the encouragement from the Mayor of Albany, he became Commissioner of the City’s Community Development Department.  He later took an opportunity with Verizon, working in leadership, service and corporate sales positions before returning to state government at the end of his career.  Michael spent six years working in the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), leading the prison industries program.  He retired in the summer of 2016 and spends his days now focusing on his passions of music, enjoying fine wines and dining.  He continues to volunteer his time with many community service organizations in the area.