06/08/2026
We’re continuing our Leadership Spotlight series by highlighting Alan Michel, Senior Director of ACA Accreditation and Readiness at TJJD!
Alan brings nearly 33 years of experience in juvenile justice and youth services, with more than 17 years dedicated to TJJD. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Iowa State University and began his career as a direct care staff member working directly with youth offenders. From the start, he was drawn to the opportunity to help young people make healthier choices and build better futures.
Throughout his career, Alan has served in a variety of leadership roles across three states, gaining experience in residential settings, detention centers, and large secure juvenile facilities. Before joining TJJD, he worked in Louisiana as Facility Director and Deputy Director of Treatment at Swanson Center for Youth. Earlier in his career, he served in Iowa as both a Detention Director and Director of a Day Treatment Program. At TJJD, he has held several leadership positions, including Regional Director, Director of Facility Safety, Manager of Halfway Houses, Superintendent of Giddings State School, and Manager of Treatment Services.
As Senior Director of ACA Accreditation and Readiness, Alan focuses on evaluating processes, policies, and procedures to help ensure safe, supportive, and validating environments for both youth and staff. He works closely with facilities across the agency to identify opportunities for improvement, strengthen operations, and support successful outcomes through accreditation and continuous quality improvement efforts.
Alan says his passion has evolved over the years. While he began his career focused on creating direct change for youth, his mission today centers on ensuring staff have the training, resources, and confidence they need to succeed. Having experienced both frontline and leadership roles, he understands the importance of supporting staff as they navigate demanding work while celebrating victories—both large and small—that make a lasting difference.
Among the accomplishments most meaningful to him are partnering with facility leaders to implement positive change, achieve ACA accreditation, and navigate major improvement efforts, including DOJ oversight. He values being part of collaborative teams that work toward meaningful progress and lasting improvements for youth and staff.
Alan considers his time at TJJD the defining chapter of his career. He believes the agency represents safety, accountability, and an environment that promotes therapeutic growth for youth who have made poor decisions. His commitment to continuous improvement, staff support, and positive outcomes reflects the impact he has made throughout decades of service in juvenile justice.
Stay tuned as we continue our Leadership Spotlight series and highlight more of the leaders making a difference across TJJD.
