ILLINOIS, January 19 - "Director Mueller is a thoughtful, kind, and committed leader," said CJJA President Brett Peterson. "Her focus on positive youth development, and her awareness of the challenges our youth and staff face, brings such a positive perspective and impact to her fellow juvenile justice administrators. I am excited and honored to work alongside her in this new role."

"The work that centers on caring for justice-involved youth not only contributes to the wellbeing of families, but also to the support of communities," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "Director Mueller knows this and will bring that focus and passion to the role. She is an amazing leader."

CJJA's initiatives include training opportunities for facility superintendents, emergency planning and technical assistance for agencies, and services such as policy and practice reviews. The work of CJJA is accomplished at the national, state, and local levels and represents the youth correction chief executive officers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and major metropolitan counties.

Prior to her appointment to the CJJA executive board, Director Mueller has served as the Chair of CJJA's Behavioral Health Committee and has participated in numerous CJJA seminars and convenings as both presenter and participant.

The two main objectives of CJJA are to influence the development of juvenile justice policy nationally and to support administrators locally. CJJA's mission is to improve systems and practices so young offenders' lives are improved by their contact with the juvenile justice system and future crime is prevented.