Maggie Brewer, Chair
Chief Deputy Secretary, N.C. Department of Adult Correction
Secretary of Public Safety’s Designee (Governor’s Appointment)

Maggie Brewer has spent over 27 years in state government and was named Chief Deputy Secretary for the new N.C. Department of Adult Correction,moving over from Community Supervision in January 2023. She oversees the divisions of Rehabilitation and Reentry, Comprehensive Health Services, Educational Services and Support Services.

Brewer began her career with the N.C. Department of Correction in November 1996 at Central Prison as a case manager working directly with offenders. She worked in the diagnostic center at Polk Youth Institution (now Granville Correctional Institution) prior to her transfer to Community Corrections.

In December 1998, Brewer was promoted to probation and parole officer in Wake County. She worked her way up through the ranks as a Chief Probation and Parole Officer, Judicial District Manager for Wake County and was named the Assistant Division Administrator for Division II in April 2014. In this role, she oversaw operations for 21 counties and assisted managers with day-to-day decisions that impacted their respective counties.

In August 2018, she was promoted to Deputy Director for Community Corrections with oversight of the operations of program administration. Brewer has been a certified training instructor since 2001 and specializes in firearms. She served as the vice chair of the Sex Offender Management Committee in 2006. This committee guided the implementation of the Static-99 assessment and Satellite Based Monitoring in North Carolina. In 2007, she was elected president of the North Carolina Probation and Parole Association (NCPPA) and, in 2008, was the recipient of the NCPPA President’s Award. She remains active in the association and currently serves as historian.

Brewer was appointed by Gov. Roy Cooper to serve on the North Carolina Human Trafficking Commission in 2021 and was recently appointed as chair of the commission. On, March 1, 2023, she was named the NC Interstate Compact Commissioner.

Brewer graduated from North Carolina State University with a bachelor’s in political science and criminal justice. She is a graduate of the NCDAC Correctional Leadership Development Program and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety Executive Leadership Development Program through the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler Business School. She is currently participating in the National Institute of Corrections Executive Excellence Series.

Lillie Rhodes
Legislative Counsel
North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts

Lillie Rhodes currently serves as Legislative Counsel for the NC Administrative Office of the Courts and as the Director’s designee to the Human Trafficking Commission. Lillie began her post-law school career at AOC as a Judicial Fellow after serving as a legislative intern for the Conference of Clerks of Superior Court during college. Prior to re-joining AOC in January 2025, she served as the Director of Government Affairs for the Department of Public Instruction under Superintendent Catherine Truitt and as Legislative Liaison for the NC Community College System.

Lillie is a 2019 graduate of the Honors College at East Carolina University where she served in numerous roles for Phi Mu, VP of Recruitment for the Panhellenic Conference, Student Government, and as Student Body Vice President. She then graduated from Campbell University School of Law in 2022 after serving three years in the Student Bar Association and working for the Campbell Law Career Center. During law school, she interned for the Office of the Lieutenant Governor Dan Forest, the North Carolina Senate, and Walker Kiger, PLLC. She was sworn into the North Carolina State Bar in September 2022.

Outside of work, Lillie continues to be active in Phi Mu as a member of the National Harm Reduction and Prevention Committee and as Membership Advisor for the Lambda Iota chapter at East Carolina. She also serves as a Co- Chair of the Social Committee for the Young Lawyer’s Division of the Wake County Bar Association.

Caitlin Brooks
Attorney
Public at Large Designee (Senate’s Appointment)

Caitlin Brooks was born and raised in North Carolina. Since becoming a licensed attorney in 2012, her passion has been public safety and serving the State. Prior to staying home with their two young children, she served the State as an attorney in the General Counsel’s Office for the Department of Public Safety.

Her primary areas were Prisons, Community Corrections, GCC, and Highway Patrol. Caitlin lives in Apex with her husband, Grant, and their two children. They are active members at Apex Baptist Church, avid supporters of Young Life and die-hard Tar Heels. She serves by appointment of the Senate.

Simone Gilchrist
Senior Policy and Program Advisor, Public Protection Section
North Carolina Department of Justice
Attorney General’s Designee (Governor’s Appointment)

Simone Gilchrist is the Senior Policy & Program Advisor in the Public Protection Section at the North Carolina Department of Justice. In her role, she is responsible for program management for victim services while expanding into policy development. She co-coordinates North Carolina’s Lethality Assessment Protocol (LAP) program, which strengthens the connection between law
enforcement and service providers to better protect people at risk of serious harm in domestic violence situations.

Simone joined NCDOJ in 2023 with a strong background in program management, community programming, and leadership development. Prior to entering state government, she was a Project Manager at 15Five, a performance management company, where she worked with executive teams to improve leadership practices and optimize service delivery. Earlier in her career, she served in student affairs, designing programs that empowered young adults to grow as leaders and successfully navigate college life.

Her work is driven by program management, fostering collaboration across generations, and creating systems that place people’s safety at the center. Simone lives in Durham with her husband and their daughter.

Jennifer Haigwood
Director of Communications and Policy Development, N.C. Department of Labor
Commissioner of Labor's Designee (Governor’s Appointment)

Jennifer Haigwood is a North Carolina native and has spent most of her life in the Raleigh area. She is a graduate of N.C. State University. Haigwood has worked for the N.C. Department of Labor since January 2006 and currently serves as the Director of Communications and Policy Development. In that capacity, she coordinates all aspects of the department’s communication with the General Assembly; provides advice and policy recommendations to the Commissioner of Labor and senior staff; and oversees the activities of the Commissioner’s Office and the Commissioner’s travel.

Haigwood serves on various statewide boards and commissions including the N.C. Human Trafficking Commission, the N.C. Commission of Indian Affairs and the Governor’s Performance Management Advisory Committee.

Haigwood also enjoys serving her community through volunteer work with various organizations and Hayes Barton Baptist Church. In her spare time, Haigwood likes to spend time with her family and friends, read, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors

Deana Joy
N.C. Child Advocacy Centers (NCCAC)
Public at Large Designee (Speaker's Appointment)

Deana Joy has spent her career working in the nonprofit sector with victims of crime. She began by working with victims of sexual violence, with the responsibility of volunteer recruitment, training and oversight for the 24-hour crisis line. In 2002, she began working with child abuse victims in addition to her work with sexual assault survivors. This work included management and facilitation of both the child and adult multi-disciplinary teams. Deana was promoted to Executive Director of a local Children’s Advocacy and Sexual Assault Center in 2006, where she stayed until 2014. Additionally, she was a trained forensic interviewer from 2005-2014.

In 2014, Deana was hired as the executive director of Children’s Advocacy Centers of North Carolina. Her responsibilities include oversight of 6 staff, the fiscal operations of the entity, legislative advancement, ensuring training and TA are available to all accredited and provisional Children’s Advocacy Centers, and growing CACs in underserved areas of the state. Deana serves as a member of the Governor’s appointed Child Well Being and Transformation Task force. Additionally, she serves on the Governors Crime Commission Crime Victim Services Committee, the Children’s Justice Act Committee, and the NC Child Abuse Prevention Task Force. Additionally, Deana works with many state partners to include the NC Department of Health and Human Services, the University of North Carolina, the NC Attorney General, NCCASA, NCCADV, NCVAN, and PCANC to develop and revise current state
legislation in regard to child abuse and neglect. Deana is a Children’s Advocacy Center accreditation site reviewer for the National Children’s Alliance.

Deana has received The Nonprofit Sector Stewardship Award, the NC Young Nonprofit Leadership Award, and the 40 under 40 award. In 2020, Deana was awarded the National Chapter Leader of the Year award by the National Children’s Alliance.

Dr. Corinna Myers
Family Physician, Atrium Health Cabarrus Family Medicine
Health Care Representative (Governor’s Appointment)

Dr. Corinna Myers received a master's degree in public health from Virginia Tech and later graduated with her medical degree from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. She moved to North Carolina to complete her residency at the Cabarrus Family Medicine Residency Program. Dr. Myers is board certified in family medicine and currently practices in Concord, NC with clinical interests including public health, women's health, mental health, and working to provide wellness throughout each stage of a person's life. She is passionate about working with underserved populations and regularly volunteers on international
mission trips. Dr. Myers has treated victims of human trafficking and has come to understand the complex needs of this vulnerable population. She is actively involved with the North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians and serves on their Advocacy Committee.

While she's not working, Dr. Myers enjoys spending time with her husband and their two rescue dogs, Charlie and Goose, reading, and enjoying the outdoors. She and her husband are avid Virginia Tech fans. She was appointed to the North Carolina Human Trafficking Commission by the Governor as the Healthcare Representative.

William M. Nichols
Ret. Major N.C. State Highway Patrol
County Sheriff's Designee (Senate’s Appointment)

Marc Nichols is currently the CEO of Shadow Company, a company formed to provide consulting and business development for law enforcement, engineering, and transportation technology in North America. This position has allowed Marc the opportunity to consult with senior management officials, plan and develop strategies, and market progressive technology.

Marc retired from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) after achieving the rank of Major. His service spanned more than 30 years and focused exclusively in the fields of special operations, criminal investigations, and motor carrier enforcement operations. He was considered the leading aubject matter expert in commercial motor vehicle enforcement with the NCSHP
and served as the Governor’s liaison to the North Carolina General Assembly. He was also considered the subject matter expert with trucks and terrorism and human trafficking.

Marc served as a national instructor in the field of criminal interdiction, whereby he was awarded many international awards, including: the Charles E. Mills award, the El-Paso Intelligence Center award for Specialized Intelligence Sharing, and Intelligence Officer of the Year for Intelligence Gathering for the Drug Interdiction Assistant Program and Drug Enforcement Agency.

As Major with the NCSHP, Marc was a member of the command staff and was assigned to supervise special units that worked in conjunction with the DEA, US Marshalls Service, and the Violent Crimes & Domestic Terrorism task force with
the FBI.

Marc is a graduate of Central Piedmont College, Mitchell College, Federal Bureau of Investigation (LEADS) and the executive leadership program at North Carolina State University.

Marc lives in Clayton, NC with his wife Teena who is a school teacher. They have one son, Cliff, who is an attorney and works for the Department of Public Safety, and one daughter, Charlotte, who is also school teacher.

Marc serves on two committees for the President Pro Tem and those are the NC Human Trafficking Commission and the NC Sheriffs Justice and Standards Commission.

Tina Pennington
Beloved Haven
Faith Based / Benefits Organization Designee (Speaker's Appointment)

Tina Pennington is a peer counselor, women’s empowerment speaker, and a human trafficking advocate. She has served in various capacities of community service, such as; Moyock Women’s Club as an active member, a Girl Scout Leader, President of the PTA, I Will Stand International as a board member, also a member of the NCCASA and NCCAHT, Founder and Executive Director of Raised Hands for Africa, serving within the community, in several countries across Africa, Host and Facilitator for Women Empowering Women retreats and conferences, Host for Survivor Leader’s retreats and Founder and Executive Director of Beloved Haven.

Tina has served in women’s outreach for over 15 years locally and globally. She continues to support the work in other countries by partnering with several nonprofit organizations. Her love and compassion for women has been the heart for her own organization. Tina has worked with local, state and federal law enforcement as well as Homeland Security. She has had training on the subject of human trafficking for over 10 years. She educates her community on the issue through awareness presentations, events, and trainings.

Tina is the Founder and Executive Director of Beloved Haven, which was founded in 2015, with the mission to equip communities to know the signs and understand how to help those affected by exploitation like human trafficking, while assisting them in finding healing, restoration, and hope. Tina is passionate about this work and consistently seeks opportunities to share love and hope with others. Tina and her husband Daniel live in Currituck, NC, where they own a cafe and have raised four beautiful adult children. In her free time, she loves the beach, a good movie, camping and hanging out with friends and family.

Captain Jordan Reese
Gastonia Police Department
City or Town Police Designee (Senate’s Appointment)

Jordan Reese is a dedicated law enforcement officer who currently serves as a Captain with the Gastonia Police Department (GPD) in Gastonia, NC, where he has been a valued member of the team for nearly 14 years. Over the course of his career, Captain Reese has held a variety of roles across multiple specialized units, gaining extensive experience and earning several notable awards for his service.

Captain Reese’s career at GPD began in the Patrol Division, and he quickly demonstrated his versatility and skill in various roles. He has worked in Crime Scene Investigations, Gang Intelligence, and the Sniper Team, and has served as the Commander for several specialized teams, including the Drone Team, Mobile Field Force Unit, Shift Tactical Team, and the Honor Guard. His
distinguished service has been recognized with several accolades, including a Life Saving Award, a Unit Meritorious Award, a Commendation for his work in the Crime Scene Unit, and the Jaycees Outstanding Police Officer of the Year award in 2019.

Promoted to Sergeant in 2019, Captain Reese supervised the Crime Scene Unit for three years before advancing to Lieutenant in the Special Investigations Unit. In his current role as Captain, he leads the West District Patrol and continues to contribute to the safety and well-being of the Gastonia community.

Captain Reese is also a North Carolina General Instructor, where he shares his expertise in Defense Technologies, Pepperball, and Firearms. His teaching and leadership in these areas reflect his commitment to both personal and professional development within law enforcement.

In addition to his law enforcement duties, Captain Reese has been deeply involved in addressing the issue of human trafficking. His investigative background has been invaluable in supporting efforts to locate, rescue, and relocate victims of trafficking, and he looks forward to bringing his experience to the Human Trafficking Commission. With a strong desire to make a positive
impact on both his local community and the state, Captain Reese is eager to collaborate with others to create meaningful change in this critical area.

Outside of work, Captain Reese enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Stephanie, in Gaston County, where they also cherish the time spent with their families.

Caitlin Ryland
Legal Aid of North Carolina
Legal Aid of North Carolina Designee (Senate’s Appointment)

Caitlin Ryland is a Supervising Attorney with the Farmworker Unit of Legal Aid of North Carolina.

At Legal Aid of North Carolina, she represents migrant and seasonal farmworkers in North Carolina in civil matters related to their employment including wage and hour, contract, discrimination, workplace safety, injury and occupational disease, and civil trafficking claims. Legal Aid’s Farmworker Unit also assists victims of crimes including human trafficking to apply for available immigration relief. She is currently the Project Director for Legal Aid’s Anti-Human Trafficking Initiative.

Caitlin has previously served in a leadership capacity in the North Carolina Coalition Against Human Trafficking, the Rapid Response Team of the Triangle, and the Farmworker Advocacy Network. She is currently serving her third term on the North Carolina Human Trafficking Commission.

Caitlin received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Swarthmore College and her Juris Doctor and Health Law Certificate from the University of Maryland, School of Law.

William R. West Jr.
Cumberland County District Attorney
District Attorney Designee (Speaker’s Appointment)

Billy West has served as District Attorney for Cumberland County, North Carolina since 2011. He was appointed to the Human Trafficking Commission in 2015. Billy is President of the National District Attorneys Association.

Prior to being elected District Attorney, Billy was a Senior Assistant District Attorney for Cumberland County for ten years where he prosecuted serious felony and homicide cases.

Billy has tried several high-profile cases and has been featured on NBC's Dateline, CBS's 48 Hours, and Discovery ID.

Billy is a graduate of North Carolina State University where he was Valedictorian, a four-year member of the golf team, an Academic All American, and the Atlantic Coast Conference's Outstanding Male Scholarship Athlete. Billy received his law degree from Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University.

Billy is married to Suzanna West, and they have two children, Will and Lila.

Judge Amanda L. (Amy) Wilson
Chief District Court Judge, District 21
Designated Appointee, N.C. Association of District Court Judges

Judge Amanda L. (Amy) Wilson is a native of Richmond County, North Carolina.

Judge Wilson is a graduate of Wingate University. After graduating from Wingate, she taught sixth grade before attending law school. Judge Wilson graduated from North Carolina Central University School of Law in 1999 and came back to her hometown of Rockingham to practice law where she was in a general practice focusing on family law. In addition, she was the Guardian ad
Litem Attorney Advocate for abused and neglected children in court. She was elected District Court Judge in 2008 in Judicial District 20A which included Anson, Richmond, and Stanly Counties. In 2018, Judge Wilson was appointed Chief District Court Judge for the newly realigned Judicial District 16A which includes Richmond, Anson, and Scotland Counties. She has served in that capacity since that time. She is an appointed member of the Chief Justice’s Family Court Advisory Commission for the State. The highlight of Judge Wilson’s professional career is to serve the citizens of North Carolina, and particularly her district, in the administration of justice.

Outside of Court, she enjoys spending time with her husband, their children, and grandchildren. She enjoys church and community involvement. She also enjoys trips to the beach and other travel.

Christine Shaw Long
Executive Director

Christine Shaw Long, MSW has been passionately working towards social justice and serving others for over 20 years. In her current role as Executive Director for the NC Human Trafficking Commission, she strives to improve statewide response and collaboration to identify and respond to human trafficking.

Previously, Christine was with The Salvation Army of Wake County for more than fifteen years. During that time as their Director of Social Ministries, she oversaw program operations at the Wake County Center of Hope. The programs included a 90-bed shelter for women with children experiencing homelessness; the award-winning Project CATCH - Community Action Targeting Children who are Homeless; and a number of crisis assistance programs open to the community. In 2011, Christine opened Project FIGHT – Freeing Individuals Gripped by Human Trafficking. Since then, Project FIGHT has responded to hundreds of referrals across North Carolina and is located in six cities.

Christine served four years on the NC Human Trafficking Commission and on The Salvation Army’s North American Anti-Human Trafficking Council. In 2017, she was presented with the National Salvation Army’s Excellence in Social Work award. She received her Bachelors and Masters of Social Work degrees from East Carolina University. Christine is an approved Consultant with the National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center.

	Lauren Amato Administrative Secretary
	Ashley Tauscher Court Management Specialist
	Molly Overholt Grants Manager
	James Melvin II Grants Administrator
	Kristen Howe Grants Manager
	VACANT Grants Manager
	Marcus McIver Grants Manager
	D. Diane Hatch Grants Manager
	Kelsey Weagel Grants Manager
	Ashawntee Cabello Data Manager