IPCSA Candidate’s Forum

IPCSA will hold a Candidate’s Forum on September 12, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.

Submit candidate questions to Nominations/Elections Committee Chair, Frank Morelli at fmorelli@lakecountyil.gov

SECRETARY…Banee’ Ulrici-Montgomery County

My name is Banee’ Ulrici, and I am honored to announce my candidacy for Secretary of the IPCSA Executive Board.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville in 1997. I began my career in probation in 2000 when I was appointed as a juvenile officer with the Montgomery County Probation Department. In 2002, I earned my Master’s Degree in Sociology and was appointed as Chief Managing Officer of the Montgomery County Probation Department. I also had the opportunity to share my passion for the field by teaching Sociology as an adjunct instructor at Lincoln Land Community College for two years.

A proud member of IPCSA since 2000, I have served on the Juvenile, Research, CMO, and Detention/JDAI Committees. I am deeply honored to have received the William C. Albertson Field of Achievement Award in 2011 and the S. William Ettinger Field of Service Award in 2022. In addition to my work within IPCSA, I hold a leadership role in the Fourth Judicial Circuit’s Juvenile Redeploy Program and currently serve on the COPE Board, also acting as the IPCSA liaison to COPE.

After completing my terms as Region 3 Representative, I felt that I had truly found my footing within IPCSA. Serving as a member of the Executive Board has deepened my understanding of the organization’s reach—not only within our local departments but across the state. I’ve grown immensely through the experience, learning from my colleagues and building lasting relationships statewide.

It has been an exciting time to be a part of the IPCSA Executive Board, especially as we have expanded training opportunities for members. While I fell short of my goal to visit every department in Region 3, I’ve remained committed to maintaining communication and supporting our organization through other channels.

I would be honored to continue my service to IPCSA in the role of Secretary and bring my dedication,     experience, and passion for this work to the Executive Board. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Banee’ Ulrici

TREASURER…Stephen Sells-Kane County

Stephen Sells is currently a Supervisor in Kane County; the 16th Circuit.  Stephen completed his undergrad degree at Northern Illinois University in 2002; where he studied criminology and English.

Stephen started his career as a Juvenile Probation Officer in McHenry County in 2002; holding a few different positions in juvenile probation from 2002-2011.  Most notably, Stephen prided himself in being trained and implementing a Victim/Offender Mediation program in McHenry County back in 2008 that brought victims and juvenile offenders together to resolve their issues and restore a sense of community between them.

In 2011, Stephen became a supervisor in the 23rd Circuit.  In 2011, Stephen also completed his Master’s degree with Webster University in Business Management.  In the 23rd Circuit, Stephen managed both adult and juvenile probation units.  He helped implement The Effective Caseworks Model, became a trainer of the ARA tool, helped implement Core Correctional Practices, and helped implement multiple federal grant programs.

Stephen has been an active IPCSA member since 2002; consistently being involved in different committees.  In the past, Stephen either chaired or co-chaired the Supervisor committee; which Stephen helped to bring to the IPCSA.  He did this to both create a supportive/nurturing environment for managers and to help create growth opportunities for managers around the state.  In 2023, Stephen resigned as Chair of the Supervisor Committee to focus more time with the Leadership Committee in their efforts to help create and implement the Leadership Symposium and the Leadership Academy for IPCSA members.  Stephen was elected Secretary of the executive board in 2023, and was appointed to become treasurer of the board in the summer of 2025.  Representing the interests of probation officers across the state is a privilege that is not taken for granted.

REGION 1 REPRESENTATIVE…Melissa Spooner-Cook County Juvenile

Over the past 26 years, I have dedicated my career to the Cook County Juvenile Probation Department. I began as a Probation Officer, working directly with youth on probation within their communities. As I progressed to roles such as Supervisor and Deputy Chief, I focused on enhancing data and research initiatives, implementing gender-responsive programs, supporting the Juvenile Drug Court, and fostering Parent/Juvenile Advisory Councils alongside traditional caseload responsibilities.

In my current role as Section Chief, I collaborate with officers, supervisors, and Deputy Chiefs to strengthen case management for adjudicated youth in the community. I lead the development of departmental goals, major initiatives, and the drafting of policies and procedures. Further, I convene workgroups with internal stakeholders and establish connections with city, state, and national partners.

Our department maintains partnerships with organizations like the Council of State Governments, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Georgetown University to oversee comprehensive probation transformation efforts. For several years, I served as the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) coordinator for several years and continue to work with staff to provide Positive Youth Justice programming.

Additionally, I have conducted training sessions at the Illinois Probation and Court Services Association (IPCSA), the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA), and other national conferences on topics such as research, data analysis, gender-responsive programming, and evidence-based curricula. I am also a lead trainer for Juvenile Risk Assessment and Core Correctional Practices. I was the Gender Responsive Committee chair for years and have actively participated in Region I and CMO meetings, reflect my commitment to advancing equitable practices.

My career trajectory—from line officer to executive leadership—has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of Probation systems. If elected as the Region I Representative, I am committed to addressing the needs of our members and fostering relationships that ensure we effectively serve our communities.

Thank you for considering my candidacy for the Region I Representative position.

REGION 3 REPRESENTATIVE…Torrey Bourn-Morgan County

Hello IPCSA Members,

My name is Torrey Bourn, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to run for a full term as Region III Representative on the IPCSA Executive Board.

I’ve worked in probation since 1997 and currently serve as the Deputy Director of Court Services in Morgan County. Over the past 27 years, I’ve had the chance to work in several roles, including Alternatives to Detention Officer, Juvenile Probation Officer, and Senior Probation Officer, serving both adult and juvenile clients. In my current position, I help lead our department’s operations, staff development, and technology planning, while still staying grounded in the day-to-day work that defines our profession.

I’ve been a member of IPCSA since the beginning of my career. Along the way, I’ve stayed involved through the Sex Offender, Technology, and Supervisor Committees, and I’ve always valued how IPCSA brings people together to share ideas, raise the bar, and support one another. In 2018, I was honored to receive the Gene Hughes Award for Highest Professional Standards, which remains one of the proudest moments in my career.

After being appointed by the IPCSA President to fill a recent vacancy, I stepped into the Region III Representative role with a deep appreciation for the work Banee’ Ulrici did before me. I’ve hit the ground running and am committed to building on that foundation.

As your representative, here’s what I strive to bring to the board and to Region III:

·         Clear, consistent communication. I want to make sure members feel informed and connected—not just during conferences, but throughout the year.

·         Support for training and growth. Whether it’s identifying new learning opportunities or sharing resources across counties, I’ll work to keep development front and center.

·         A strong regional voice. I’ll continue listening to the needs of Region III and making sure our concerns and successes are represented at the state level.

·         Collaboration and follow-through. My goal is to be accessible, responsive, and proactive in supporting our work and the broader goals of IPCSA.

Probation in Illinois has come a long way, we’ve become more collaborative, more data-informed, and more client-centered. IPCSA has been at the heart of that evolution, and I’d be honored to continue contributing to that mission.

Thank you for your time, your service, and your vote. Please don’t hesitate to reach out, I’d love to connect.

Warm Regards,

Torrey Bourn
tbourn@morgancounty-il.com
(217) 243-9468 Ext: 6201

Access Voting Link HERE!

Polls remain open through October 9, 2025 at Noon.

   A Zoom link will be provided via email to all IPCSA Members