Ashaki McNeil is a public service professional and criminal justice leader with extensive experience advancing juvenile justice reform, reentry systems, and cross-agency collaboration. As Director of the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services she will lead with a strategic, operational and collaborative leadership style.
In her previous role with the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice she served as the Deputy Director of Reentry, Education, and Intervention. Ashaki led a multidisciplinary division of more than 75 employees, overseeing education, intervention, and reentry services that support youth rehabilitation, safety, and long-term success.
Prior to becoming Deputy Director, Ashaki served as Reentry Program Manager for the Department of Juvenile Justice, where she led a federally funded systems-change initiative focused on reducing juvenile recidivism. She developed memorandums of agreement with multiple state agencies, coordinated the department’s first Reentry Procedures Manual, implemented step-down housing programs, and expanded family engagement practices statewide. Her work has been featured through presentations at state and national conferences, highlighting innovative and effective approaches to juvenile justice reform.
Earlier in her career, Ashaki held leadership and analytical roles with the Department of Criminal Justice Services, the Governor’s Office for Substance Abuse Prevention, and the Department of Correctional Education. She began her career working directly with incarcerated youth and adults, grounding her leadership approach in firsthand experience and a deep understanding of frontline operations.
Ashaki holds a Master of Arts in Urban Education and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, with additional graduate coursework in Criminal Justice. She has completed advanced leadership and juvenile justice training through Georgetown University’s Center for Juvenile Justice Reform and Virginia Commonwealth University. Her work is guided by a strong commitment to equity, collaboration, and creating systems that help vulnerable populations overcome barriers and realize their full potential.