The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation is proud to announce that Patrick Gallaway of New York has been selected as the newest National Director on our Board of Directors. Patrick’s decades of dedication to the corrections profession, his leadership within the honor guard community, and his commitment to preserving the history of the profession make him an exceptional addition to our leadership team.
A Brief History of the CPOF Board of Directors
Since its founding in 1984, the CPOF Board of Directors has been composed of correctional professionals and supporters from across the country. Each member brings unique experience, leadership, and a deep connection to the Foundation’s mission: Taking Care of Our Own. Over the years, the Board has guided CPOF’s growth from a grassroots movement into the only national nonprofit dedicated exclusively to supporting correctional staff and their families during times of crisis.
About Patrick Gallaway
Patrick began his career with the New York State Department of Corrections in 1994, serving in five facilities over a remarkable 27-year career before retiring from Attica Correctional Facility.
His introduction to the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation came in 2010 when PROJECT 2000 was held in Buffalo, New York. After spending four days witnessing firsthand the Foundation’s impact on correctional officers and their families, Patrick knew this was an organization he needed to be part of. In 2021, he joined the CPOF National Honor Guard Team, bringing with him his experience as a respected member of the Attica Honor Guard Team and his dedication to preserving the history of the Attica Riots.
Patrick’s leadership, historical knowledge, and deep respect for the correctional profession will be invaluable to the Board as CPOF continues its nationwide mission of support and remembrance.
A Brief History of CPOF
Founded in 1984 by a small group of correctional professionals, the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation was built on the principle of taking care of our own. In its early years, the founders balanced full-time correctional careers with volunteer work, fundraising, and outreach—often traveling across the country to provide assistance.
Today, CPOF provides catastrophic assistance, line of duty death support, scholarships, and organizes PROJECT 2000, our annual memorial event honoring fallen correctional officers. From the beginning, the mission has been grounded in family, compassion, and unity.
Meet the Current Board of Directors
Ron Barnes – Chairman & National Director
Ron began his California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) career in 1983 as a Correctional Officer at Folsom State Prison. Over nearly three decades, he served as Sergeant, Lieutenant, Associate Warden, Chief Deputy Warden, and ultimately Warden of the California Correctional Center, appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger in 2009. Ron retired from the department in 2011 and concluded state service in 2019.
Don Dease – Vice-Chairman & National Director (Retiring)
Don began his corrections career in 1974 and served in positions ranging from Warden to Regional Director, overseeing 10 facilities. A graduate of The Citadel, Don has been active in professional corrections organizations nationwide. He began volunteering with CPOF in 1997, joined the staff after retiring in 2002, and was instrumental in expanding payroll deduction programs across multiple states.
Kim Potter-Blair – Secretary & National Director
Kim began her career in 1998 as a Correctional Officer at Blackburn Correctional Complex before transitioning to Probation and Parole, where she rose to district supervisor. She later served as Deputy Commissioner of Support Services and most recently as Chief of Staff for the Kentucky Department of Corrections. A CPOF Board member since 2015, Kim is active in national corrections leadership organizations and has been recognized for her work in reentry, mentorship, and executive leadership development.
Perry Speth – Treasurer & National Director
Perry is a second-generation Correctional Peace Officer who began his career in 1984 with the California Department of Juvenile Justice. He served as a Youth Correctional Counselor, became CCPOA Chapter President, and was appointed CCPOA State Secretary in 1997, serving for over two decades. A lifelong supporter of CPOF, Perry actively recruits members, represents CPOF at conventions, and educates new cadets about the Foundation.
William “Bill” Hutto – National Director
Bill began his correctional career in 1980 at Folsom State Prison and advanced through roles including Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and Correctional Counselor III. He served on the Special Emergency Response Team and received multiple commendations, including for his role in the Los Angeles Riot Response. Bill joined the CPOF Board in 2022.
Chevi Amrein – National Director
Chevi began her CDCR career in 2003 at High Desert State Prison, rising through positions including Captain and Associate Warden. She has served as Joint Honor Guard Commander for CCC and HDSP since 2007 and was recognized for her leadership during the Camp Fire response. A CPOF member since her academy days, Chevi brings years of operational and ceremonial experience to the Board.
Jeffrey Washington – National Director
Jeffrey served the American Correctional Association (ACA) from 1986 to 2025, including as Deputy Executive Director. He began his career as a correctional officer in Prince George’s County, MD, and has decades of experience in accreditation, program management, and correctional leadership.
Patrick Gallaway – National Director
Patrick served with the New York State Department of Corrections from 1994 to 2021, retiring from Attica Correctional Facility. A long-time Honor Guard member and historian of the Attica Riots, he joined the CPOF National Honor Guard in 2021 and now brings his experience and dedication to the CPOF Board.
Looking Ahead
As we welcome Patrick Gallaway to the Board, we are reminded that CPOF’s strength lies in its people—leaders who have lived the challenges of the profession and remain committed to its future. Patrick’s journey from correctional officer to National Honor Guard member to National Director embodies the very heart of our mission: service, honor, and unwavering support for the correctional family.
Patrick now joins a distinguished group of leaders who have shaped the Foundation’s history. This includes the Founding Fathers of CPOF, Don Novey, Glenn Mueller (who worked alongside Patrick on the Attica Preservation), Larry Corby, Sal Osuna, and Richard “Dick” Waldo, whose vision and dedication built the foundation we stand on today. He also follows in the footsteps of respected leaders such as Ed Barcliff and Jim Brown, whose service and commitment have furthered CPOF’s mission. Together, they represent the heart of Taking Care of Our Own—past, present, and future.
Please join us in congratulating Patrick on his new role and in thanking our entire Board of Directors for their tireless commitment to Taking Care of Our Own.