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“I started working for AJA in 1986 when Dick Ford was
appointed the first Executive Director. It was Dick,
Ken Kerle, and I (along with the family dog and cat)
in half of a remodeled garage at Dick’s home to begin
the venture. For over a year, I carried my typewriter
back and forth because there was only one com-
puter. I learned fast that when working for a non-
profit you wear many hats; the budget isn’t very
big; and if you don’t know how to do something,
you learn.”

“It was encouraging for me to watch AJA grow
every year. The goal was always the same—to
further the professionalism of jail personnel and to provide
educational services to aid in that goal. We published a newslet-
ter and, within two years, the American Jails magazine. AJA was
awarded a grant to study effective drug treatment programs in
jails; held annual conferences throughout the United States; initi-
ated a Regional Training Seminar program; published the JOBs
and JMBs; and created a certification program—just to name a few.
With each program, our staff increased.”
“Much gratitude is due everyone, past and present, who contrib-
uted to the success of the American Jail Association and this 40th
anniversary milestone.”

SHERYL EBERSOLE
Assistant to the Executive Director, 1986–2007

1990 2015 2021

1981 1987 1989 2005

1986 1988 1997  The Certified Jail Manager 2009  The first session of the 2019
National Jail Leadership
Command Academy
(CJM) Program is launched.
(NJLCA) is held March 7–12.
 AJA continues the elevation  The Certified Correctional
of jail practitioners with Trainer (CCT) Program
the first examination for is launched to recognize
the Certified Jail Officer the achievements of
(CJO) Program. corrections trainers within
our industry.

36 | MAY | JUNE 2021 AMERICANJails