2024 American Correctional Association Election Booklet

2024 ELECTION

Delegate Assembly

Philip Popovitch (TN) Facility Administrator Maximum Correctional Center

Phillip Popovitch began his career with the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office July 2013 as a Correctional Officer at the Criminal Justice Center (CJC) and has a total of 14 years of experience in corrections. Popovitch has completed the “National Jail Leadership Command Academy” hosted by Sam Houston State University and has returned to mentor the program since completing it. Popovitch holds an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice from Nashville State Community College. In 2021, he obtained the Certified Jail Supervisor certification from the American Jail Association (AJA), and in 2022, he successfully obtained the Certified Jail Manager designation.

Delegate Assembly — Detention (Juvenile) (2 Positions)

Dena Burton (KY) Executive Director Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice

Dena Burton began her career with the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice as a front-line Youth Worker in 1999. She has continued working with the KYDJJ since in both residential and detention facilities, serving as a Youth Worker Supervisor, Youth Services Program Supervisor, Quality Assurance Branch Manager, Corrections Program Administrator, Assistant Director, and Director of the Program Services Division, and as Assistant Director of the Compliance Division. In 2023 Dena Burton was appointed Executive Director of the Office of Operations for the Department of Juvenile Justice. Burton holds a bachelor's degree in human services with an emphasis in criminal justice.

Leonard B. Dixon (IL) Superintendent Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center

Leonard Dixon has held every position in Juvenile Justice, including Direct Care Staff, Facility Administrator, Consultant, Monitor, State Director and also testified before congress, House and Senate on Juvenile Justice Detention issues. Dixon is currently the Superintendent of the Cook County Temporary Detention Center (JTDC) in Chicago, Illinois. Dixon holds a Master of Science, Child and Youth Care Administration from Nova University, Ft. Lauderdale, a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Psychology from Southwest Baptist University and an Associate of Arts in Education from State Fair Community College. Dixon was also President of the National Juvenile Detention Association (NJDA).

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2024 ACA Election