JDAI Newsmakers
Cherie Townsend Named Texas Youth Commissioner
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| Cherie Townsend |
Cherie Townsend, director of Clark County (NV) Juvenile Court Services and staunch JDAI supporter, took the reins of the Texas Youth Commission on Oct. 1, 2008.
Gov. Rick Perry issued a proclamation naming Townsend as executive director of the agency and removing it from conservatorship. The Texas Youth Commission was placed in conservatorship in March 2007 after officials received allegations of abuse in its facilities and reports of failures and wrongdoings by commission staff.
The Texas native, who has 30 years of juvenile justice experience and spent 18 years at TYC as director of community services, is returning home to Austin after working in Arizona and Nevada.
“It is an honor to return to the Texas Youth Commission in this role,” Townsend said. “I look forward to working collaboratively with TYC youth and their families, along with lawmakers, TYC employees, juvenile justice system partners, community agencies and advocacy groups to respond to the challenges and opportunities facing TYC.”
In Nevada, Townsend served as director of the Clark County Juvenile Court Services in Las Vegas. She managed the county’s detention reform efforts and was responsible for the leadership, planning, management and delivery of court services in one of the fastest growing counties in the United States.
“Clark County will sadly miss Cherie Townsend,” said John Rhoads, JDAI team leader. “Her leadership was essential in moving Clark County and Nevada toward better outcomes. I believe that TYC will improve dramatically under her leadership.”
Fritz Reese, the assistant director of juvenile justice services, will be serving as the Clark County interim chief until a new selection is made. Reese has been with the department for more than 30 years.
Townsend’s resume also includes directing Juvenile Court Services in Maricopa County (Phoenix, Ariz.) and Victim-Witness Services for the Travis County District Attorney in Texas.
She holds a master’s degree in public administration from Southern Methodist University and a master’s in business administration from the University of Texas.
Richard Nedelkoff, TYC conservator, said Townsend brings a national reputation as a change agent.
“I’m pleased someone of Cherie’s caliber is joining us at TYC to help lead the agency forward, and I feel very strongly that she will provide the agency with the leadership needed to complete our reform efforts,” Nedelkoff said.
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