The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation (CPOF) proudly announces several significant updates to its Board of Directors, marking a historic moment in the organization’s leadership. These appointments, voted in by the Board, reflect CPOF’s continued growth, national representation, and unwavering commitment to “Taking Care of Our Own.”
Chevi Amrein Elected Chairman of the Board
CPOF is honored to announce that Chevi Amrein has been elected Chairman of the Board of Directors, becoming the first woman in the Foundation’s history to hold this position.
Chevi began her California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) career in 2003 as a Correctional Officer at High Desert State Prison (HDSP). Over the next two decades, she rose through the ranks, serving as a Correctional Sergeant, Correctional Counselor I and II, Correctional Captain, and Associate Warden.
A proud and active CPOF member since attending the California Basic Correctional Peace Officer Academy in 2003, Chevi’s membership was initiated by Char Corby (wife of CPOF founder Larry Corby), Carol Novey (wife of CPOF founder Don Novey), and Rachel Lee, longtime CPOF Administrator.
In addition to her career accomplishments, Chevi has dedicated more than 15 years to the joint Honor Guard Commander position for California Correctional Center and HDSP, leading with professionalism and compassion. In 2019, she received the Unit Citation at the CDCR Medal of Valor Ceremony for her extraordinary efforts assisting fellow officers and community members during the devastating Camp Fire. She has also been recognized by the Office of Victims and Survivor Rights for exemplary advocacy of victims’ rights.
As Chairman, Chevi brings the same empathy, strength, and purpose that have defined her career, continuing CPOF’s proud tradition of leadership rooted in service and humanity.
Kim Potter-Blair Elected Vice-Chair of the Board
The Foundation also proudly announces that Kim Potter-Blair, Chief of Staff for the Kentucky Department of Corrections, has been elected Vice-Chair of the CPOF Board of Directors, marking another first as the first woman to hold this position.
Kim began her career with the Kentucky Department of Corrections in 1998 as a Correctional Officer at Blackburn Correctional Complex. She was soon promoted to Classification and Treatment Officer before transferring to the Division of Probation and Parole’s District 9 as a Probation and Parole Officer in December 1999. After supervising a caseload for approximately four years, she was promoted to Assistant District Supervisor in 2003 and District Supervisor in 2005.
From 2008 to 2017, Kim served as Deputy Commissioner of Support Services, overseeing the divisions of Probation and Parole, Administrative Services, and Training. She has since continued her distinguished public service as Chief of Staff, supporting statewide correctional operations and leadership initiatives.
Kim is an active member of numerous professional organizations. She was elected to the Board of Directors of CPOF in June 2015 and remains a passionate advocate for correctional staff and their families. She is also a longtime member of the Kentucky Council on Crime and Delinquency, where she previously served as President of the Bluegrass Chapter.
A graduate of the inaugural Commissioner’s Executive Leadership Program (2005), Kim received the Commissioner’s Award in 2006 and is a member of the Association of Women Executives in Corrections (AWEC). She has also served as a mentor to participants in the Governor’s Minority Management Training Program (2018–2019) and completed advanced leadership development through the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) Executive Forum for Deputy Directors and Executive Leadership for Women.
A native of Bowling Green, Kentucky, Kim earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and master’s degree in Public Administration from Kentucky State University.
Her extensive experience, mentorship, and commitment to professional excellence make her an invaluable voice on the CPOF Board and a model of service-driven leadership.
Bill Hutto Appointed Secretary of the Board
The Foundation is also pleased to announce that William “Bill” Hutto will serve as Secretary of the Board of Directors.
Bill’s career reflects more than three decades of service, leadership, and innovation in both the correctional and public safety fields. After three years in the U.S. Army, where he served in engineering and prisoner transport, Bill began his distinguished 26-year career with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).
During his tenure, Bill served at Folsom State Prison, California State Prison–Sacramento, and CDCR Headquarters in Sacramento, earning promotions through the ranks to Correctional Captain and ultimately retiring as a Correctional Counselor III. His responsibilities spanned daily facility operations, statewide population management for 33 correctional institutions, offender classification and case management, and oversight of statewide transportation and extradition operations.
Bill’s leadership extended well beyond the institutional setting. He managed the Extradition Unit, coordinating offender transfers across states and U.S. territories; supervised specialized training programs; and developed population overcrowding plans that balanced operational efficiency with safety and compliance. His work earned him multiple Deputy Director’s Letters of Appreciation and Chief of Institution Operations Special Recognition awards, including commendation for his role in the CDC Command Post response during the Los Angeles Riots.
Following his retirement from CDCR, Bill transitioned into private-sector project and sales management, where he continues to apply his operational expertise and leadership skills serving clients across the U.S. and Canada. In this role, he focuses on developing innovative, technology-driven solutions to enhance correctional safety, offender due process, and agency efficiency, principles that align closely with CPOF’s mission of care and service.
A dedicated community leader, Bill also served as President of the Folsom Rotary Club, where he championed local outreach initiatives and service projects that support first responders and their families.
Since joining the CPOF Board of Directors in 2022, Bill has been an active and engaged leader, offering both operational insight and compassion to advance the Foundation’s mission. His lifelong commitment to law enforcement, organizational excellence, and community service makes him a valued asset to the CPOF Board.
Continuing and Incoming National Directors
CPOF extends its heartfelt gratitude to Ron Barnes, who will continue his service as a National Director after completing his term as Chairman of the Board.
Ron’s leadership has been instrumental in strengthening the Foundation’s national presence and guiding it through a pivotal era of restructuring and renewal. As Chairman, he provided steady direction during a time of change, ensuring that the Foundation’s mission,“Taking Care of Our Own,” remained at the center of every decision.
Under his tenure, CPOF expanded its outreach to correctional staff across multiple states, enhanced transparency in board operations, and furthered engagement among Field Representatives and members nationwide. Ron’s commitment to supporting correctional professionals, especially those and their families facing hardship, has left a lasting imprint on the Foundation.
While his term as Chairman concludes, CPOF is deeply grateful that Ron will continue to contribute his knowledge and experience as a National Director, providing mentorship and historical perspective as the organization moves forward.
Perry Speth remains in his long-standing role as Treasurer, ensuring the continued fiscal stewardship of the organization.
The Foundation also welcomes Patrick Gallaway as a National Director, joining Ron Barnes and Jeffrey Washington in representing CPOF’s national membership and contributing to its strategic direction.
A New Chapter in Leadership
These appointments mark a defining moment in CPOF’s legacy. For the first time, both the Chairman and Vice-Chair positions are held by women who bring decades of correctional leadership, compassion, and dedication to service.
Together with the entire Board of Directors, they will continue to advance the Foundation’s mission, providing financial, emotional, and moral support to correctional professionals and their families in times of need.
About the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation (CPOF):
The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to supporting correctional professionals and their families during times of catastrophic need. Since its founding in 1984, CPOF has provided millions of dollars in direct assistance to those who serve behind the walls and their loved ones across the nation.