The MDOC Parole Board has undergone a few changes, with a new leader and several new members added as others depart.

Congratulations to Chairperson Barbara Sampson. She replaces John Rubitschun, the outgoing chairman who had continued to lead the group since being appointed the Deputy Director of Field Operations Administration last year.

"Barb brings a rich experience in the corrections field to this new role and I am confident that she will be a dynamic and innovative leader as we move forward during these difficult times," said department Director Patricia L. Caruso.

Barbara Sampson was appointed to the Parole Board in 2003. Prior to her appointment she was employed with the Wayne County Department of Child and Family Services (formerly the Wayne County Department of Community Justice) as Manager of Adult Programs funded through MDOC's Office of Community Corrections.

"I think this is an unprecedented time in Parole Board history," Sampson said. "The MDOC is transforming the way we do business, and I'm excited to be part of the new future of the department."

Caruso re-appointed Sampson, James Quinlan and James Atterberry, two other board members whose terms would have expired on September 30.

"The department, and the Parole Board in particular, will be facing many challenges in the next few years," she said. "We need the assurance of a stable, experienced Board and for that reason I am re-appointing these members at this time."

A warm MDOC welcome goes out to the newest members of the Parole Board: Sharee Booker, John Schlinker and Laurin' Thomas. All three are appointed to terms expiring September 30, 2010. They will serve in place of outgoing members Rubitschun, Charles Braddock and Marianne Samper.

"John (Rubitschun), Charles and Marianne are to be commended for their commitment to the Department and in particular to their contribution to the Parole Board," Caruso said. "Sharee, John (Schlinker) and Laurin' bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience. I am confident they will serve the Department well in their new positions."

Booker has been employed with the Department of Corrections since 1984 and was most recently the Deputy Regional Administrator for the Field Operations Administration - Region I - Wayne County. She has been interested in the Parole Board ever since hearing a member speak at a conference more than 20 years ago.

"They spoke with such passion about what they did, keeping dangerous people incarcerated and releasing those who could be," she said. "When this opportunity came, I decided I very much wanted to be a part of it. I'm pleased to be here."

Schlinker is a former prosecutor and recently served as Government Affairs Director for the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 951. For him, serving on the board was a logical next step.

"Being on the Parole Board allows me to continue in public service," he said. "It's a natural extension of the work I've done before as an attorney and a prosecutor."

Thomas most recently was an attorney for UAW-GM Legal Services and has previously practiced law in various jurisdictions. Her reason for wanting to be on the Parole Board can be summed up with one word: children.

"I have two children," she said. "I want to have influence on what's happening in the community and who is out there who might affect them."

Michigan Department of Corrections, FYI Newsletter 030807