Nominees

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

SEAT 1

MARCUS ELAM (VA)

CANDIDATE PROFILE

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

PROBATION

PROFESSIONAL BIOGRAPHY

Marcus S. Elam is a veteran correctional professional with over 32 years of service at the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC). On March 4, 2026, he was promoted to Deputy Director for Community Corrections, a role in which he oversees field operations and support services for Probation and Parole/Community Corrections for the Commonwealth of Virginia. During his 3-decade career with the Department of Corrections, Elam progressed from Volunteer/Intern to Deputy Director. Beginning in 1993, he has served in various roles, including Probation & Parole Officer in Suffolk and Hampton, Senior Probation and Parole Officer, Treatment Program Supervisor, Deputy Chief Probation and Parole Officer, and District Chief Probation and Parole Officer for the cities of Chesapeake and Portsmouth. He also served as Regional Administrator for both Community Corrections (Eastern Region) and Institutions (all three regions throughout the Commonwealth). Appointed in 2023, Elam served as Corrections Operations Administrator and Legislative Liaison. In this role, he was the primary VADOC contact for the Virginia General Assembly, developing Agency strategy related to proposed legislation, working with Members of the Virginia General Assembly, liaison to the Governor’s Policy Office, and the Office of the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security. Additionally, Elam was responsible for handling constituent issues and representing the agency and testifying before Senate and House sub-committees. He also managed statewide initiatives and served as an agency spokesperson. As Deputy Director of the Division of Community Corrections, Elam manages field operations for the Commonwealth of Virginia, focusing on public safety and successful reentry. He works to reduce recidivism through ethical, accountable supervision and collaborates with organizations like the Virginia Victim Assistance Network to support victims.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

LEADERSHIP & EXPERTISE Deputy Director for Community Corrections, Virginia Department of Corrections 32+ Years in Community Corrections & Probation Leadership Probation, Parole & Reentry Operations Legislative Affairs & Public Policy Leadership Public Safety, Victim Services & Recidivism Reduction Ethical Supervision, Organizational Leadership & Strategic Operations

American Probation and Parole Association National Association of Probation Executives Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission Southern States Correctional Association

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