APAI History
Early Milestones
Early 1970s
- Association of Paroling Authorities; George Street of Canada serves as first President.
- Membership is 225; Dues are $15/member.
1981
- Sam Houston University becomes home of first administrative office for annual fee of $3000 + minimal expenses. SHU provides equal in-kind administrative grant.
- APA goes ‘public’ with opposition to U.S. Task Force Report recommending the abolishment of the U.S. Parole Commission.
1982
- First newsletter published.
1988
- First Annual Conference held in Washington, DC.
- Administrative offices moved to Council of State Governments in Kentucky.
1989
- Name changed to Association of Paroling Authorities International to reflect international growth.
1993
- First Staff hired. Gail Hughes becomes Executive Secretary.
1995
- Council of Chairs (later renamed Council of Parole and Releasing Authorities) established.
1998
- Membership grows to 304.
2000
- Website created.
Recognitions by Awards
1992
- Vincent O’Leary Award established in recognition of an individual’s contribution to the Association and demonstrated vision, leadership and commitment to the field of parole
1993
- Community Service Award established in recognition of an individual or organization that contributed significantly to the furthering of the rehabilitative efforts of parole.
- Ben Baer Award established in recognition of an individual’s significant service in the field of parole.
2001
- President’s Award established to recognize an individual or organization that contributes to the Association or the field of parole.
Looking Ahead through Planning, Training and Publications
1991
First Strategic Plan written
1994
- APAI received a grant of $20,000+ to develop and publish The Practice of Parole Boards, written by John Runda, Edward Rhine and Robert Wetter.
- APAI and APPA partner to publish Abolishing of Parole: Why the Emperor Has No Clothes, written by Peggy Burke.
1995
First Mission and Core Values Statements written and adopted.
1996
Trainings initiated for New and Experienced Parole Board members as well as for Hearing Officers, funded by NIC and facilitated by Center for Effective Public Policy.
1997
• First Parole Board Survey conducted.
2004
- Resource Kit for New Board Members published.
- Audio conferences established with funding from NIC.
2006
Successful Transition and Reentry for Safer Communities: A Call to Action for Parole, funded by JEHT Foundation and written by Peggy Burke and Mike Tonry.
Recent Milestones
2005
- Membership reaches new high of 423.
- Seven standards adopted.
2006
- Gail Hughes retires.
- Committees established by President Lisa Holley.
- Bea Leopold hired as first Executive Director, moving office from Missouri to Pennsylvania.
2007
- Membership tops 450
- APAI becomes incorporated.
- Credit cards accepted.
- Website redesigned and relaunched with members’ only section and member communication enhancements.