Erika Preuitt is the Director of the Multnomah County Department of Community Justice (DCJ). She has worked for DCJ for over 25 years, committing her career to improving outcomes for the most vulnerable in our communities. Her early career was in Spokane, Washington working for private non-profit organizations serving women, youth and families. She started her career within DCJ as a Probation and Parole Officer working with justice involved women and gang -involved young men.  She has served on all levels of management within her organization and in diverse program areas. Additionally she has  championed evidence based practices, culturally and gender responsive programming. Leading an organization in the 21st century has led Erika to invest in trauma informed practice, equity, inclusion and brain science.  She has been very effective in this area incepting programs that have received national attention and launching sustainable community efforts such Black Male Achievement Portland, The Community Healing Initiative and implementing the Habilitation Empowerment Accountability Therapy, a culturally responsive, cognitive behavioral curriculum in Multnomah County.

Erika is also an active member of the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA).  She has served on multiple levels of the association and is currently a Past President. She is currently on the Board for the National Association of Probation Executives. She has also been recently elected to serve on the Board for the National Association of Drug Court Professionals.  She also invests her time as an Advisory Board member of the Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network. She has also been honored to lend her voice to work the Emerging Adult Justice Framework through Columbia University Justice Lab. Erika is humbled to serve in leadership roles locally, nationally and internationally, engaging in work that helps justice- involved individuals change their lives,  restore their families and building stronger and safer communities.