The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation’s board of directors includes 7 individuals with a correctional background and a passion for being there for their brothers and sisters behind the wall and beyond.

CPOF was founded in 1984 by 5 correctional officers who wanted to be proactive in assisting correctional families left behind after a line-of-duty death. Since that date, it has expanded to include a catastrophic assistance program, a scholarship fund, a national honor guard team, and its most prized event: PROJECT 2000, a 4-day event honoring those who lost their lives in their chosen profession.

As for all nonprofit organizations, the board members are the fiduciaries who steer the organization toward a sustainable future by adopting sound, ethical, and legal governance and financial management policies, as well as making sure the nonprofit has adequate resources to advance its mission. There are three primary legal duties the board of directors must adhere to:

CPOF currently employs 13 full-time employees in the office and 16 part-time field staff. Most have more than a decade of experience with CPOF and are responsible for the day-to-day running of the organization.

The board of directors has quarterly meetings hosted in their Sacramento office that can be attended in person or via Zoom. During the board of directors meeting, they hear reports from the various programs and departments of the organization, approve policy, vote on line of duty death honorees, approve an annual budget, and engage in ways to further the mission of CPOF.

Communication is a vital part of an effective board of directors and securing the longevity of the foundation. All voices and perspectives are to be respected by all board members when making decisions, and all board members are responsible for actively participating in decision-making. Board members are expected to present a united front on all board decisions and activities, both within the organization and to the public, irrespective of their personal vote. The commitment and ability to operate as a member of the team must extend beyond the objective to operate as an individual who sits on a board of directors.

One of the most important responsibilities is to hire and set the compensation of the CEO to run the day-to-day management activities of the organization and to provide supervision and evaluation of the position.

In addition to attending and participating in quarterly board meetings, the board of directors is available to attend funeral services for correctional staff murdered in the line of duty. Often, these services occur with little to no notice. They meet with the families of the fallen, represent the organization, and assist where needed if an opportunity arises.

All board members are expected to attend and actively participate in PROJECT 2000 as requested by the chairman of the board. The dates are available 3 years in advance, and every effort is made to provide flexibility in travel.  PROJECT 2000 is the primary opportunity for the board of directors to engage with field staff, supporting membership, families of the fallen, and dignitaries from various correctional facilities. It is of the utmost importance that the event be treated with respect and dignity by all who sit on the board of directors.

During the normal course of the year, the board of directors promotes the motto of CPOF, taking care of our own, by representing the foundation, making connections with those that may be assets to the foundation, and actively works to fulfill the mission of CPOF.

The ideal candidate for the board of directors is an individual who is an ongoing supporting member of CPOF, who has already attended a PROJECT 2000 Memorial ceremony, who promotes the organization in their daily life, and who embodies what it means to “take care of our own.”  All applicants are required to have a background in corrections and be available to represent the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation respectfully and professionally.