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County Administrator Tanya Ange has appointed Ramon (Ray) Cameron to be director of the Washington County Juvenile Department. Cameron will join the county on April 3, after serving as the associate commissioner of the New York City Department of Probation since 2019.
For more than a decade prior to that role, he was the founder and executive director for Project New Hope – The New Direction, Inc., providing supportive services, case management and after-school programming for over 5,000 clients. He also worked as director of Family Support Services for the New York City Department of Education for approximately five years. Cameron earned a bachelor's degree in political science with a minor in pre-law from York College in Queens, N.Y. He also holds a master’s degree in public administration from Baruch College in New York, N.Y.
“Ray’s extensive experience working with justice-involved youth and their families, along with his proven ability to manage innovative and evidence-based approaches that reduce recidivism and prevent juvenile crime made him an excellent candidate for this important leadership role,” said Ange. “His professional and lived experience with advancing equity, diversity and inclusion will also position the Juvenile Department to be even more responsive to the over-representation of youth of color in the juvenile justice system. I am excited for him to join our amazing team at the Juvenile Department who pour their hearts and souls into serving our youth on a daily basis.”
“It is with great distinct honor to have been selected as the next director of juvenile services,” said Cameron. “I’m grateful for this wonderful opportunity to be a part of the county leadership team. I look forward to working collectively with our staff and stakeholders to improve the lives of our clients. My family and I are really excited to join the Washington County family and be a part of the fabric of this growing community.”
Cameron was chosen after a nationwide recruitment and competitive selection process conducted by SGR, a company that specializes in executive leadership recruitment for local governments. He will succeed current director Lynne Schroeder who will retire after nearly 40 years of public service, the last 10 of which were in Washington County.
Washington County Juvenile Department protects the public by reducing delinquency and restores victims and the community by holding youth accountable. They create opportunities for change through swift and decisive use of effective practices, building on the strengths of youth and families. The department is supported by a budget of $20 million and is staffed by 84 full-time equivalent employees. For information on programs and services, visit https://www.washingtoncountyor.gov/juvenile.