Panda Adkins

Director of JJSC - Center for Justice Research and Innovation, CNA

Panda Adkins serves as the Director of the Jails and Justice Support Center (JJSC) in the Center for Justice Research and Innovation at CNA. In 2022, the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) and the National Institution of Corrections (NIC) selected CNA to lead the development and delivery of the JJSC. She works directly with the BJA, NIC, national partners, and CNA leadership in this endeavor. She is an experienced Corrections leader with over 25 years’ experience. Ms. Adkins previously served as a Correctional Program Specialist with the NIC. She provided professional leadership and guidance on jail management and operational practices to jails nationwide. Her national portfolio included training and technical assistance on executive leadership, organizational culture, operations and more. Prior to her tenure at the NIC, she served as a correctional officer, case manager, and work release manager at the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office in Nashville, TN. She was also an adjunct instructor in the Criminal Justice Department of the Tennessee State University. Panda holds a Master of Science degree in Public Service Management from Cumberland University, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice with a double minor in Psychology and Sociology from Tennessee State University.

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