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Loyce Duke
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.
Calvin Hill
President
Calvin Hill is the Assistant Deputy Superintendent for Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Compliance at Sing Sing and Queensboro Correctional Facilities. In this role, he oversees and ensures PREA compliance while also contributing to daily facility operations as part of the executive team.
With over 40 years of experience across multiple correctional facilities—including Sullivan, Green Haven, Eastern, Otisville, Woodbourne, and Wallkill—Calvin has developed extensive expertise in correctional security, compliance, and operational management.
4o . He has participated in numerous PREA, security, and ACA audits, reinforcing his expertise in maintaining institutional standards.
Calvin began his career as a correction officer in 1984 and steadily advanced through the ranks, becoming a Sergeant in 1991, a Lieutenant in 2016, and a Regional Training Lieutenant in 2017. In 2019, he transitioned into his current role, bringing a wealth of knowledge in security operations, training, and staff mentorship. As a certified instructor, he has led training in General Topics, Advanced Correction Emergency Response Team, Weapon Training, and Labor Management.
Beyond his professional responsibilities, Calvin is committed to leadership and advocacy. He was recently elected President of Minorities in Criminal Justice and is a long-standing member of CAYSA.
Otis Cruse
Vice President
Otis Cruse joined the New York State Board of Parole in 2015, serving until his retirement in 2023. He has an extensive history within New York State Government. He has served forty-one years as a criminal justice public servant. Proceeding the appointment as Commissioner, he served with the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) as a Parole Officer within the Special Offenders Unit (SOU). He also served in multiple directorship positions within the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), guiding the executive function and day-to-day operations for both community based residential and secure juvenile facilities. He has led family and parental engagement initiatives that advance community re-entry opportunities.
Dawn Butler
Presidential Advisor
Bio coming soon
Latasha Jackson-Smith
Secretary
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.
Mayra Mejia
Acting Treasurer
Bio coming soon
Samantha Wilkinson
Financial Secretary
Bio coming soon
Kim Watson
Parlementarian
Bio coming soon
Joseph Williams
At-Large Historian
Joseph Williams is a founder and lifetime member of NYSMICJ, formed in 1986. Former Superintendent Williams brings his years of experience in the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) and truly knows the history of NYSMICJ. He is committed to recording it all accurately and to positively influencing the future of the organization. Mr. Williams has remained as an active board member to date having served previously as the President in 1989. He has been an Adjunct Professor in the Law and Police Science Department at CUNY's John Jay College of Criminal Justice and holds two Masters Degrees.
Andrea Staples
At-Large Administrative Assistant
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.
Dannielle Hille
At-Large Chief Technology Officer
Dannielle Hille is an accomplished professional currently serving a Supervising Offender Rehabilitation Coordinator. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from the University at Albany School of Criminal Justice. Before taking on her current role, she served as the Executive Assistant to the Board of Parole, Offender Rehabilitation Coordinator in the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision's Office of Victim Assistance. Beyond her professional commitments, Dannielle is deeply committed to community healing, reform, and active engagement. She is the founder of "A Block at a Time, Inc.," an organization empowering community members to engage with officials and advocate for essential changes and services within their neighborhoods. Additionally, Dannielle currently serves as the Chief Technology Officer for the non-profit “New York State Minorities in Criminal Justice, Inc.” Her role underscores her dedication to advancing technology in support of criminal justice initiatives. Dannielle has also held leadership roles in numerous community committees and non-profit boards, demonstrating her deep engagement with community betterment initiatives. Through her diverse roles and unwavering commitment, Dannielle Hille continues to leave a significant and lasting impact on the betterment and advancement of communities.
Rayisha Ricketts
At-Large Community Outreach
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.
Emily Williams
At-Large
Bio coming soon
Rodney Young
At-Large - Assistant to the Director
Bio coming soon
Vanda Seward
At-Large
d is a criminologist and researcher, serving as the Director of the Criminal
Justice Program and Professor of Criminal Justice at CUNY's Kingsborough Community
College. With nearly four decades of experience, she has made significant contributions to
public safety and criminal justice system reform.
Dr. Seward retired from the Kings County District Attorney’s Office, where she led the County
Reentry Task Force. She also served as the Statewide Director of Reentry Services for the New
York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (Parole), and as
the Executive Director of the Kings County DA’s ComALERT program.
She holds a PhD in Criminal Justice from Capella University, a Master of Science in Criminal
Justice from Iona College, and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from The College of New
Rochelle.
Although retired, Dr. Seward remains active in advocacy, focusing on the impact of the carceral
system on individuals, families, and communities. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in
Engagement Journalism at the CUNY Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism. Dr.
Seward has received numerous awards and accolades for her significant contributions to the
field of criminal justice.
Michael Hurt
At-Large
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.
