FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tracey Z. Poole RIDOC Media Relations (401) 462-2609
APAI Contact: Bea Leopold, Interim Executive Director Information: Direct: 610-872-4645
CRANSTON, R.I. – May 9, 2008 – Lisa S. Holley, Chair of the Rhode Island Parole Board, was awarded the coveted Ben Baer Award by the Association of Paroling Authorities International (APAI) at its 24th Annual Training Conference in Louisville, Kentucky in late April. Ms. Holley served as APAI’s President from April 2006 – 2008. The award recognizes and rewards an individual who has demonstrated significant service to the field of parole and community corrections.
Lisa S. Holley has worked in the criminal justice field in Rhode Island for over 25 years, serving on the Rhode Island Parole Board since 1995. Prior to her appointment as Chair by the Honorable Governor Lincoln Almond in 1997, Ms. Holley was a 15-year veteran of the Warwick, Rhode Island Police Department.
While with the police department, Ms. Holley was assigned for seven years to the United States Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, where she was involved in numerous federal drug smuggling and distribution investigations. During her career with the Warwick Police Department, Ms. Holley was assigned as a Detective in the Major Crimes Unit and as a Crime Scene Investigator in the Department’s Bureau of Criminal Identification.
Ms. Holley received a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Roger Williams University, a Master of Science degree in Administration of Justice from Salve Regina University, and a Juris Doctorate from Roger Williams University School of Law. She is admitted to the Rhode Island Bar and the United States District Court Bar and is a member of the American Bar Association.
Ms. Holley was the recipient of the Rhode Island Victims’ Advocacy and Support Center, 2006 Victims’ Rights and Services Award, for the development of the first crime victims’ assistance program in RI Corrections. She was selected as the 2006 recipient of the Neil J. Houston Memorial Award from RI Justice Assistance, for dedicated service and contribution towards the criminal justice profession and the public interest.
She is an adjunct faculty member in the Administration of Justice Department at Salve Regina University, in Newport, R.I. Ms. Holley is past President of the Association of Paroling Authorities International, a professional organization committed to public safety while carrying out statutory release practices and community supervision of offenders.
Benjamin F. Baer was a nationally-recognized parole professional who dedicated his 48-year career to the criminal justice system, fighting for fair and equitable treatment of offenders and protection of the public. Nominations were open to the entire membership and were chosen by a select group of leaders in the field.
The APAI is the recognized voice for the highest professional standards of responsible parole practices worldwide.