2021 OJACC Achievement Award Recipients

OJACC created four awards to be given to Ohioans whose work has contributed to the improvement of community corrections.

Representative C. J. McLin Award

Awarded to: The Honorable Sherrie Miday, Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas

Nomination information: Judge Sherrie Miday established and oversees the High-Risk Domestic Violence Court for the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court. This is one of a few such felony dockets in the United States.

Dr. Bennett J. Cooper Award

Awarded to: The Honorable Ted Barrows, Franklin County Municipal Court

Nomination information: After serving in various public service positions with the Ohio Attorney General, Public Defender, and City Prosecutor’s Office, Judge Barrows was elected to the Municipal Court Bench in 2003. He often describes himself as the “Wonk” of the Court. Judge Barrows is one of the most data-driven individuals we know, and as a leader, that is critical.  The value that he places on research has contributed to his success as a judicial leader.

Community corrections professionals understand the importance of having a champion on the bench, someone well-positioned to help advance the profession and put best practices into motion. Judge Barrows is always open to new ideas, but damn, you have better done your homework.  This is an especially important trait as we don’t need fly-by-night, unfounded initiatives in this field.

In 2012, Judge Barrows was elected by his peers to preside over the Court’s Military and Veterans Specialized Docket (MAVS). The MAVS docket was established to provide a non-adversarial approach to defendants who are veterans or have military service in any branch of the United States Armed Services and who have pled guilty to misdemeanor crimes.  Defendants in MAVS often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or adjustment issues following active duty in any branch of the United States Armed Services.  MAVS works closely with the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that defendants receive services to which they are entitled, as well as with other community partners.  In all regards, the MAVS program strives to serve the men and women who have served our country and need a little support to maintain positive lifestyles. Through his exceptional work with the MAVS court, we have had the honor to witness not only the growth and success of the participants, but also the staff who have worked with Judge Barrows.  His passion for restorative justice approaches is contagious and authentic and one can’t help but want to perform at their best.

Judge Barrows is a consummate relationship and consensus builder.  In 2017, he was elected Vice Chair of the Franklin County Criminal Justice Planning Board.  The Board is responsible for regional justice planning and directing the justice mission of the Office of Justice Policy and Programs. Judge Barrows has been an instrumental leader who has helped to successfully advance the Board’s strategic goals and facilitated tough, but critical conversations among passionate and well-informed stakeholders.  He has definitely left his footprint on the fabric of Franklin County.

In 2020, Judge Barrows was elected the Administrative and Presiding Judge of the FCMC.  During his tenure he was tasked with navigating the largest municipal court in the state of Ohio through the pandemic.  Through his leadership, the FCMC opened a satellite location at the Greater Columbus Convention Center where Court operations could safely continue during the pandemic.  In addition to the challenges of COVID-19, this past year also brought forward the eviction crises that is being felt throughout the Country.  By providing expansive work space at the Convention Center, the Court was able to provide tenants access to onsite community partners who provide free legal and financial assistance as well as linking tenants to resources like mediation services, job and family services, and self-help advocates to assist individuals represent themselves in court without an attorney.  Judge Barrows did this all of this and provided the staff tasked with supporting Court operations with generous leave and flexible work schedules.  One of his judicial colleagues went out of his way to comment on how well Judge Barrows led the Court during this time and how he could not think of another Judge who could have performed as well as he has.

Judge Barrows exudes humility.  He is not afraid to admit when he doesn’t know something or to apologize when maybe, because of his passion, his remarks might have come off a little strong.  He will stand up for those under his tutelage and has a keen understanding of the inter-relatedness and importance of all aspects of the criminal justice system. He is a trailblazer around issues affecting pretrial, probation, and behavioral health. He leaves a lasting legacy and for those of us who had the honor to work with him.

Dr. Simon Dinitz Award

Like Dr. Dinitz, who was an educator and was responsible for training many correctional practitioners in the state, Cheryl makes it a priority to ensure that new Officers and Chiefs receive the highest level and type of education and support possible. Cheryl was one of the first Chiefs to participate in the Ohio Chief Probation Officer’s New Chiefs Orientation and Mentoring process and she continues to spearhead this effort.  Cheryl has been an active member of the Ohio Chief Probation Officers Line Officer Training Committee for decades to help ensure that new Probation Officers receive the targeted and specialized training necessary to help them be successful in their profession.  Cheryl also played an active role in outreach to various counties throughout the state who were seeking information on the why and how, as they contemplated starting their own probation departments in response to supervision changes within the APA.  Cheryl goes out of her way to make new Probation Officers and Chiefs feel welcomed and supported and will selflessly devote her time and energy to assisting them, however, they need.

Cheryl is currently the Vice President of the Ohio Chief Probation Officers Association and also represents Common Pleas recidivism reduction programs on the OJACC Adult Collaborative.  As Chief Probation Officer of Wayne County, she and her team are often at the forefront of the development, implementation and success of many cutting edge programs around risk reeducation and public safety.  Cheryl has worked in community corrections for 28 years and the field is better for her unwavering passion, skill and knowledge.  She also serves on the Wayne County Community Corrections Board, Wayne County Reentry Coalition/Task Force, Stark Regional Community Corrections Center’s Facility Governing Board, and the Sex Offender Program Certification Board for the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. In addition, she is an active member of the American Probation and Parole Association and the National Association of Probation Executives (NAPE).

Cheryl exemplifies this award that is given to a community correctional practitioner who has made contributions to the improvement of community corrections in Ohio

James Wichtman Award