HONORING COMMUNITY PILLARS NATIONWIDE

Overview

Michael P. “Mike” Dempsey is a nationally respected juvenile justice leader whose work has strengthened systems, elevated professional standards, and built durable partnerships across states, agencies, and political lines. As Executive Director of the Council of Juvenile Justice Administrators (CJJA), he provides steady national leadership to one of the most influential

organizations shaping juvenile justice administration in the United States.

National Leadership Through CJJA

As Executive Director, Mike leads CJJA in its mission to support state and local juvenile justice leaders through technical assistance, leadership development, performance improvement, and policy collaboration. Under his direction, CJJA serves as a trusted, nonpartisan convener—bringing together administrators from diverse regions and political environments to focus on safety, accountability, effective operations, and improved outcomes

for youth and communities.

Performance Improvement and Practical Solutions 

A defining feature of Mike Dempsey’s leadership is his commitment to performance

improvement and measurable results. Through CJJA, he has advanced data-informed tools

and shared standards that help agencies strengthen facility safety, workforce professionalism,

and operational integrity while demonstrating responsible stewardship of public resources.

Bipartisan, Cross-Sector, and International Collaboration

Mike is widely respected for his ability to collaborate constructively across political,

geographic, and institutional boundaries. He has worked with federal partners, state

governments, national associations, and international counterparts to share best practices,

support leadership capacity, and strengthen juvenile justice systems both domestically and

abroad.

Mentorship and Stewardship of the Field

Beyond organizational leadership, Mike is a trusted mentor to juvenile justice executives

nationwide. He has supported emerging leaders, fostered peer learning, and reinforced a

culture of professionalism and ethical leadership that continues to shape the field’s future.

Embodiment of the Leif Erikson Legacy

The Leif Erikson Award honors individuals who navigate uncertainty with courage and vision,

forging pathways others can follow. Mike Dempsey embodies that legacy through principled

leadership, consensus-building, and a steadfast commitment to strengthening systems that

serve youth, families, and communities. For these reasons, he is a highly deserving recipient

of the 2025 Leif Erikson Award.

Overview
Caren Harp, J.D., is a nationally respected juvenile justice leader and historic public servant
who served as the first woman Administrator of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of
Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) from 2017 to 2020. Appointed by the
President and sworn in on January 19, 2018, she led the nation’s primary juvenile justice
agency during a pivotal era with courage, clarity, and conviction.

National Leadership and Lasting Impact
As OJJDP Administrator, Harp provided national leadership to states, tribes, territories, and
local jurisdictions working to prevent juvenile delinquency and improve youth outcomes. She
oversaw federal grant programs and technical assistance initiatives with a strong emphasis on
public safety, evidence-informed practice, and fiscal responsibility—ensuring taxpayer dollars
produced measurable and lasting community impact.

Champion of Balanced and Restorative Justice
Throughout her career, Harp has been a principled advocate for balanced and restorative
justice—approaches that repair harm to victims and communities while promoting
rehabilitation and reconciliation for youth. She reinforced nationally that accountability and
compassion are not competing values, but complementary tools for building safer, stronger
communities.

Foundation in Practice, Law, and Education
Harp’s leadership is grounded in real-world experience. Her background includes service as a
prosecutor in Arkansas, work in the Family Court Division of the New York City Law
Department on complex juvenile and sex-crimes matters, national technical assistance
leadership at the American Prosecutors Research Institute, and legal education as an
associate professor at Liberty University School of Law.

Values, Faith, and Mentorship
A faithful Christian, Harp’s public service reflects humility, service, and stewardship. She is
widely regarded as a mentor who invests deeply in others—encouraging ethical leadership,
disciplined decision-making, and principled use of public resources. Her influence continues
through the leaders she has guided and inspired.

Embodiment of the Leif Erikson Legacy

Leif Erikson is remembered for courageous exploration and forging new paths where others

hesitated. Caren Harp embodies that same spirit. She has navigated the complex terrain of

juvenile justice with integrity and vision, creating pathways toward safer communities through

balanced, humane, and effective justice. For these reasons, she is a deeply deserving

nominee for the 2025 Leif Erikson Award.

Overview

Fire Chief Raymond “Ray” Reynolds is a globally respected fire service innovator whose

leadership transcends traditional boundaries of operations, research, prevention, and

international capacity building. As Fire Chief of the Nevada (Iowa) Fire Department and a

lifelong public safety professional, Chief Reynolds exemplifies the spirit of the Leif Erikson

Award through courageous exploration, inventive problem-solving, and an unwavering

commitment to saving lives and strengthening communities.

National Leadership and Fire & Life Safety Excellence

Chief Reynolds was honored with the 2024 Excellence in Fire and Life Safety Award by the

International Code Council in partnership with the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

This prestigious recognition reflects his national leadership in advancing fire prevention,

community risk reduction, and life safety innovation. In his role, he has implemented

multidisciplinary strategies that measurably reduce injury and loss of life among both

residents and firefighters.

Research-Informed Practice and Policy Impact

A defining feature of Chief Reynolds’ leadership is his ability to translate research into

life-saving practice. Following fatal residential fires involving smoking and home oxygen use,

he led statewide and national efforts to promote thermal fuses in oxygen tubing. His advocacy

helped drive policy guidance distributed through Iowa health agencies and influenced national

conversations on preventable fire hazards.

International Fire Service Capacity Building

Chief Reynolds’ service extends well beyond U.S. borders. He has worked internationally to

help emerging and under-resourced fire departments build fire prevention and intervention

capabilities, including facilitating the donation of fire trucks and critical equipment to

communities in need. Through training, mentorship, and resource coordination, he has

strengthened emergency response systems and enhanced life safety outcomes worldwide.

Mentorship and Service to the Profession

In addition to operational leadership, Chief Reynolds is a committed mentor and steward of

the fire service profession. Through national committees, policy development, and

cross-sector collaboration, he invests in the next generation of leaders while advancing

ethical, evidence-based, and community-centered public safety.

Embodiment of the Leif Erikson Legacy

The Leif Erikson Award honors those who forge new paths and create opportunity through

courage and vision. Fire Chief Raymond Reynolds embodies that legacy by exploring new

solutions to persistent risks, building bridges across borders, and leaving communities safer

than he found them. For these reasons, he is a highly deserving recipient of the 2025 Leif

Erikson Award.

Overview

Reverend Anthony T. Thompson is a transformative leader whose life and career reflect an

unwavering commitment to justice for victims, integrity in public service, and the redemptive

power of faith. A seasoned investigator, educator, consultant, and ordained minister, he has

dedicated his professional life to ensuring that victims—particularly the most vulnerable—are

heard, protected, and treated with dignity within complex justice systems.

A Career Anchored in Victim-Centered Justice

Anthony began his service in the United States Navy (1990–1994) as a Navy Police

Patrolman and went on to serve in civilian law enforcement and as a Supervisory Special

Agent and Subject Matter Expert with the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation

Division. Across assignments involving crimes against persons, child abuse, family violence,

sexual assault, and domestic violence, his focus remained steadfast: ensuring justice for

victims through thorough, ethical, and compassionate investigative practice.

Transforming Adversity Into Purpose

Through profound personal hardship, Reverend Thompson chose transformation over

despair. Ordained as a Reverend in July 2013, he integrated spiritual leadership with

professional excellence—bringing empathy, moral clarity, and resilience into spaces often

marked by trauma. His lived experience allows him to connect authentically with victims,

investigators, and communities seeking accountability and healing.

Consultant, Educator, and Advocate for Victims

As Founder and CEO of Anthony T. Thompson Investigative Consulting & Training, LLC,

Reverend Thompson provides case review, investigative consultation, training, and expert

support designed to strengthen justice outcomes while protecting victims’ rights. His work

helps agencies enhance investigative quality, avoid retraumatization, and uphold the highest

standards of integrity and accountability.

Faith-Driven Leadership and Healing

Reverend Thompson’s faith informs his approach to justice—advocating accountability

without cruelty and compassion without compromise. As a father and grandfather, he

understands the lasting impact of violence and trauma, reinforcing his commitment to systems

that protect individuals, families, and communities.

Embodiment of the Leif Erikson Legacy

Leif Erikson is remembered for courageously navigating unknown waters. Reverend Anthony

T. Thompson embodies that legacy by confronting injustice with faith, integrity, and

resolve—transforming adversity into service and advancing justice that restores what was

broken. For these reasons, he is a deeply deserving recipient of the 2025 Leif Erikson Award.

Overview

Kyla Woods is an unapologetic trailblazer whose leadership exemplifies courage, innovation,

and transformative impact across youth justice policy, community organizing, and strategic

capacity building. Based in Washington, DC, her work bridges lived experience, policy reform,

and youth-centered solutions, setting a new standard for justice leadership in the 21st century.

Youth Justice Leadership and Policy Impact

Kyla has spent more than seven years advancing youth justice reform through policy

development, research, and advocacy. She has partnered with government agencies,

nonprofits, and community organizations to integrate youth voice—particularly those with lived

experience—into policy and program design. Her leadership in youth participatory action

research has informed strategies that reduce system involvement and improve access to

housing, mental health care, and employment support.

Innovative Tools to Elevate Emerging Leaders

Kyla is the author of several influential toolkits, including Paternalism to Partnership, Project

Parachute, and Beyond the Box, which provide practical guidance for organizations and

government bodies seeking to meaningfully include youth leadership in decision-making

processes. These resources are now used to strengthen advisory bodies and leadership

pipelines nationwide.

Entrepreneurship and Capacity Building

As Founder and CEO of Klover Strategies LLC, Kyla supports communities and organizations

in building strategic capacity, mobilizing emerging leaders, and developing sustainable

solutions. Her work focuses on strengthening systems by investing in people and aligning

policy with real-world needs.

Bridge Builder Across Sectors and Generations

Kyla is widely respected for her ability to convene diverse stakeholders and bridge

generational and institutional divides. She collaborates across government, nonprofit,

academic, and community sectors to ensure that decision-making reflects the voices and

experiences of those most affected.

Embodiment of the Leif Erikson Legacy

Leif Erikson is remembered for forging new paths where none existed. Kyla Woods embodies

that legacy through bold leadership, unapologetic advocacy, and future-oriented vision. As the

youngest of the 2025 nominees, she represents not only excellence today, but the promise of

what is to come. For these reasons, she is a deeply deserving recipient of the 2025 Leif

Erikson Award.

 Battalion Chief Cornell Bradford’s unwavering dedication to public safety and exemplary leadership within the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire make him a distinguished candidate for the Leif Erikson Award. His career reflects a profound commitment to protecting the community and advancing excellence in fire service.
 

With over 20 years of service, Chief Bradford has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership and a deep sense of responsibility to the Harrisburg community. His dedication was notably recognized during the bureau’s annual awards ceremony, where he and his unit received commendations for their exceptional performance.
 

Chief Bradford has been instrumental in mentoring new firefighters, fostering an environment where recruits are welcomed, supported, and guided. His efforts have contributed significantly to the bureau reaching a complement of 93 firefighters, the highest level since the early 1990s.
 

In high-pressure situations, Chief Bradford’s decision-making has proven pivotal. During an uptown structure fire, his strategic command led to the successful rescue of a man trapped on the second floor. A team member provided the victim with an air pack and sheltered him in place until the fire was controlled, ensuring a safe evacuation. His calm and effective leadership in emergencies exemplifies his dedication to saving lives.
 

Chief Bradford also emphasizes the importance of recognizing the daily sacrifices of his team. By advocating for acknowledgment of the challenges firefighters face, he boosts morale and fosters a culture of appreciation and respect within the department.
 

Throughout his career, Chief Bradford has navigated the complexities of emergency response with unwavering determination. His ability to manage chaotic situations and lead his team effectively underscores his steadfast commitment to public service and community safety.
 

Chief Bradford’s dedication to duty, leadership excellence, and commitment to the safety and well-being of the community exemplify the spirit of the Leif Erikson Award, making him a truly deserving nominee.

Dr. TeNeane Bradford’s unwavering dedication and remarkable achievements in empowering individuals, creating stronger communities, and fostering a united, safe America make her a distinguished candidate for the Leif Erikson Award. Her career reflects a profound commitment to leadership, resilience, and advancing opportunities for all.

Dr. Bradford's journey exemplifies perseverance and transformative leadership, rising from a family breaking free from Brooklyn’s crack era and New York’s Marcy Projects to becoming the Deputy Director of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s FEMA Office of Grants Administration. At FEMA, she oversees a $3 billion budget dedicated to strengthening national security, building community resilience, and driving impactful cross-agency collaboration to safeguard the nation, which has included firsthand, in-the-field leadership experience in disaster recovery operations with victims.

Witnessing the challenges of underserved communities during her upbringing, Dr. Bradford embraced leadership roles from the age of 16, driven by a mission to uplift others. Her early leadership included organizing community initiatives and mentoring peers, laying the foundation for a lifelong focus on empowering individuals to overcome adversity and thrive. This commitment has guided her three-decade career in public service, during which she has held pivotal roles at the U.S. Department of Justice. There, she led initiatives within the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), including implementing the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act and advancing protections for vulnerable youth. In 2019, she was honored with the Assistant Attorney General Distinguished Service Award for her groundbreaking efforts.

In addition to her federal service, Dr. Bradford co-developed the P.O.W.E.R. initiative (Purpose, Opportunity, Wisdom, Empowerment, and Resilience), which inspires leadership and unity within communities. A visionary advocate for innovation, she is exploring the integration of artificial intelligence into public safety in her upcoming book, AI Policing 2030. 

Dr. Bradford’s extraordinary leadership, her ability to implement impactful systemic change, and her dedication to fostering resilience and uniting communities embody the spirit of the Leif Erikson Award, making her a truly deserving nominee.

Diamond Lewis’s steadfast commitment to juvenile justice reform and her impactful leadership at the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) make her a distinguished candidate for the Leif Erikson Award. Her career reflects an unwavering dedication to improving the lives of justice-involved youth and advancing equitable policies within the justice system.
 

As a Program Manager in OJJDP’s State and Tribal Relations Assistance Division, Diamond oversees Title II grant funds, focusing on mental health and reentry programs. Her dedication to authentic engagement with justice-involved youth ensures their voices are integral to shaping policies that affect them. She also co-facilitates OJJDP’s Youth and Family Partnerships working group, fostering collaboration between the agency and the communities it serves. Diamond emphasizes the importance of including individuals with lived experiences in decision-making processes, promoting a more inclusi...
 

Through her participation in events such as the 2022 OJJDP State and Tribal Relations Assistance Division National Training Conference, Diamond shares her expertise with stakeholders nationwide, contributing to the development of effective juvenile justice strategies. Her work in managing grant funds for mental health and reentry programs directly impacts the lives of justice-involved youth, providing them with the resources and support necessary for successful reintegration into society.
 

Diamond’s exceptional contributions have earned her recognition from her peers and leadership. She is a recipient of the Assistant Attorney General’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Justice Programs, a testament to her tireless efforts and innovative approach to addressing challenges in juvenile justice. In commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, Diamond highlighted a new era of second chances and unlimited opportunities, reflecting her com...
 

Testimonials from her colleagues and program participants consistently praise her dedication and impact. In a staff story video, she emphasized, “We are working to shape the next 50 years of youth justice, not only for you, but with you,” encapsulating her collaborative and forward-thinking approach.
 

Diamond Lewis’s dedication to duty, leadership excellence, and commitment to juvenile justice exemplify the spirit of the Leif Erikson Award, making her a truly deserving nominee.

 Monique Lujan’s strong leadership, innovative vision, and unwavering dedication to empowering individuals and strengthening underserved communities make her a distinguished nominee for the Leif Erikson Award. Her remarkable journey reflects a profound commitment to advancing opportunities, improving lives, and driving systemic change nationally.
 

Monique was selected from over 11,000 applicants as an intern at Neighborhood Rescue of America, where her exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills quickly set her apart. She was entrusted with significant responsibilities, including overseeing human capital for the organization, implementing best practices, optimizing team performance, and leading strategic communication. She also spearheaded community engagement initiatives, served as a project management liaison with local governments nationwide, and organized programs that empowered individuals to create safer, stronger urban neighborhoods for children.
 

Following her role at ESR (Executive Search Research), Monique, motivated by a lifelong commitment to helping autistic children, founded her practice to provide transformative care. To amplify her impact, she built Finni Health, an AI-powered platform designed to revolutionize autism support services for practitioners nationwide. She secured funding from reputable investors through her strategic vision and leadership, enabling Finni Health to grow rapidly. The organization now operates with over 100 practitioners across eight states, aiding more than 1,000 children and their families, with plans for continued expansion.
 

Monique’s dedication to innovation and her relentless pursuit of better outcomes for children with autism exemplify her ability to create meaningful change. She is poised to scale her impact nationally, ensuring access to life-changing resources for families and practitioners nationwide.
 

Monique’s extraordinary ability to implement systemic solutions, empower individuals, and foster stronger communities embodies the spirit of the Leif Erikson Award, making her a truly deserving nominee.

 Marcus “Strider” Dent’s steadfast dedication to community safety, exemplary leadership, and transformative vision within the Guardian Angels make him a distinguished candidate for the Leif Erikson Award. His nearly four decades of service reflect an unwavering commitment to empowering communities, reducing crime, and inspiring hope in Baltimore and beyond.
 

As Commander of the Baltimore Chapter of the Guardian Angels, Marcus has redefined grassroots crime prevention through innovative leadership and a focus on collaboration. Under his guidance, the Guardian Angels have evolved from traditional patrols to an organization deeply embedded in the community. This includes mentorship programs, public safety campaigns, and partnerships with schools, churches, and local businesses. Marcus’s approach emphasizes working alongside residents to foster trust, unity, a...
 

A Baltimore native, Marcus’s formative years in the city instilled a deep understanding of urban challenges. Growing up with his mother, grandmother, and siblings, he developed resilience and adaptability—qualities that have shaped his extraordinary ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His passion for martial arts cultivated discipline and self-confidence, inspiring his lifelong mission to uplift and mentor others.
 

Marcus’s leadership style is rooted in fairness and integrity, earning him admiration across diverse groups. One Guardian Angel remarked: “He treats everyone the same: from the person who cleans the building to the person who owns the building. He remembers everyone's name, and he looks everyone in the eye. He expects the same from everyone: from the individual to the community, to the businesses, to the government.” This inclusive approach has inspired countless individuals to join his mission of community empowerment.
 

Beyond his work with the Guardian Angels, Marcus has dedicated himself to mentoring at-risk youth as Director of a martial arts school. There, he instilled values of leadership, discipline, and self-worth, helping young people gain the confidence to make better life choices. His work has also included outreach to gang-affected communities, where he has worked tirelessly to offer alternatives and inspire change. In addition, Marcus’s expertise in martial arts has been integral to the Guardian An...
 Marcus’s nearly 40 years of service exemplify the spirit of the Leif Erikson Award. His visionary leadership, relentless drive, and steadfast commitment to protecting communities, fostering unity, and empowering individuals demonstrate how one person’s dedication can ignite meaningful change, transform countless lives, and create a safer, more unified future.

 Christine “Chris” Money’s unwavering dedication to transforming lives through faith and mentorship exemplifies the essence of the Leif Erikson Award. As the Executive Director of Kindway, a pioneering nonprofit organization, she has been instrumental in guiding individuals from incarceration to independence, transforming lives and strengthening communities.
 

With over 30 years of service in corrections and social work, including her tenure as warden of three Ohio prisons and interim director of the Ohio Department of Youth Services (DYS), Chris has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to social justice and rehabilitation. At DYS, she emphasized faith-based initiatives and the critical role of community volunteers in aiding incarcerated youth.
 

Under her leadership, Kindway’s EMBARK program has become a beacon of hope for justice-involved individuals, preparing and supporting participants to navigate their journey from incarceration to independence. By offering evidence-based programming and critical support during transitions, the program has achieved a remarkable success rate of approximately 98% for participants who completed the program and remained connected one year post-release. Since its inception in 2011, EMBARK has carefully assessed candidates from institutions such as the Ohio Reformatory for Women, Marion Correctional Institution, Pickaway Correctional Institution, and Madison Correctional Institution.
 

Chris’s extensive experience and educational background in social work and criminal justice have been pivotal in developing effective reentry programs that address the complex needs of returning citizens. Her strategic partnerships with organizations such as Kairos Prison Ministry have further enhanced the support network available to program participants, creating lasting change.
 

Through initiatives like Kindway, where incarcerated individuals create handcrafted gifts, Chris fosters community involvement while providing participants with valuable skills and a renewed sense of purpose. This program equips individuals with marketable skills and instills pride and accomplishment in their work.
 

Chris’s leadership has been recognized with accolades such as the Community Service Award from the Association of Paroling Authorities International, underscoring her perseverance in advocating for restorative justice and community reintegration. Her tireless efforts and commitment have inspired many within the justice system and beyond.
 

Testimonials from program participants further highlight Chris’s profound impact:
 • “The Fresh Start program made sure I had a nice outfit to wear home from prison. That outfit was the only clothing I had. Once home, I realized I needed more clothes. I was able to meet again with the ladies from Fresh Start. They blessed me with even more clothing. I am so thankful for the love I have been shown through this amazing ministry. Thank you!”
 • “It was a great feeling to have real clothes to wear out of O.R.W. I had forgotten what it was like to wear a pair of jeans and a nice sweater. It felt amazing to know that people cared enough for me to provide me this personalized outfit. I felt the love from people who didn’t even know me, God’s love.”
 

Chris Money’s visionary leadership and compassionate approach have transformed lives and communities, making her a truly deserving nominee for the Leif Erikson Award.