2026 ACA Winter Conference Long Beach CA_Program Book

Summi t

Evolving SpacES: crEating SpacES that Work

Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Room 103 A/B/C

kEynotE SpEakEr

Featuring first-hand accounts of 6+ correctional agencies that successfully

Director Ryan Thornell brings over 20 years of trusted corrections leadership to the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR). A respected and pragmatic administrator, he is committed to modernizing correctional practices to enhance public safety, support staff wellbeing and improve outcomes for incarcerated individuals through innovative programs and services. A former corrections officer, he values the dedication of ADCRR’s nearly 9,000 staff working on Reimagining Corrections. Previously, he served as Deputy Commissioner in Maine and held multiple roles in South Dakota. Director Thornell holds a master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati and a doctorate from the University of South Dakota, and is a proud husband and father.

Overview Celebrate the innovative, strategic visions of corrections leaders as they showcase re-imagined and repurposed correctional spaces that support mental health and wellness. Glean wisdom and ideas from agencies that have successfully implemented transformative design strategies that improve outcomes for inmates and enhance the working conditions for staff. Connect with agency heads, colleagues and industry challenges in the field and leave inspired to transform outdated environments into modern, therapeutic spaces that are safe and secure. modernized existing facility spaces for the incarcerated population and their team of corrections professionals. partners to discover solutions to common

Ryan Thornell, Ph.D. Director Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry

This event is hosted by ACA’s Facility Planning, Design and Preventative Maintenance Committee

Donald E. Henry, Jr.

Richard (Tony) Shaffer Bureau Chief Construction, Activation,

Managing Principal Urbahn Architects

Maintenance, and Sustainability, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction

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