County names probation chief

Michelle Bonwell, deputy chief probation officer for Tulare County, has been named the county’s chief probation officer, it was announced Thursday.

The Chief Probation Officer is appointed by the Superior Court and is responsible for the overall operations of Tulare County Adult and Juvenile Probation.

The Tulare County Probation Department protects the community by conducting court investigations, enforcing court orders, assisting victims, and implementing prevention, intervention, supervision, and offender accountability programs.

“Michelle’s strong background in public service, specifically with Tulare County Probation, makes her an excellent candidate for this position. She is innovative, dedicated and will serve this community well,” said Superior Court Juvenile Court Presiding Judge Juliet Boccone.

Bonwell has over 22 years of public sector experience with Tulare County Probation. She began her career with the department in 1995 and has held several positions within the organization, including probation officer, supervising probation officer and division manager. As the deputy chief probation officer, she was responsible for oversight of all departments and daily operations.

Bonwell graduated from National University with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership.

“I have complete confidence in Michele Bonwell as the next chief of the Tulare County Probation Department. While she does have to fill a significant void created by Chief (Christie) Myer’s retirement, she comes from within the ranks of the department and I know she is highly capable of doing so,” stated Tulare County Board of Supervisors Chairman Pete Vander Poel.

“Michelle has a wealth of knowledge and experience from her work with Chief Myer and I look forward to working with her as the new Chief.”

Bonwell will be responsible for more than 400 positions in diverse job classifications, assigned to five departmental divisions, and an operating budget of over $40 million. Tulare County Probation supervises more than 5,000 adult felons and juvenile offenders on court-ordered probation/ supervision, post-release community supervision or in diversion programs.

Bonwell is the 13th chief probation officer appointed in Tulare County since the department was established in 1909, replacing Christie Myer, who will retire July 7 after more than 40 years of public service in Tulare County.

Bonwell will earn $139,500 annually.