I spent 14 years as an executive at Maryland's Department of Juvenile Services and one year at the federal level. Today, I help technology companies and investors navigate the corrections market with the credibility that only comes from having worked in it.
From crisis communications to the executive suite to the federal level, every step built the expertise I bring to my clients today.
I joined DJS to develop internal and external communication strategies and serve as the agency's primary spokesperson. In that role, I represented DJS through multiple high-profile public crises, including incidents that drew national media attention. I learned how to manage messaging under intense pressure, a skill that would prove invaluable in every role that followed. Working closely with a new agency Director starting in 2011, I became a trusted advisor on messaging strategy, drafting talking points, and representing the agency at public events. That working relationship laid the foundation for what came next.
Promoted by the Director I had been advising, I stepped into the role of Chief of Staff at Maryland's Department of Juvenile Services. I provided high-level strategic counsel to the Director, managed a portfolio of five offices and more than 70 staff, and served as the agency's representative to the Governor's office across both Democratic and Republican administrations. As one of the chief architects of the agency's strategic vision and plan, I played a central role in reforms that drove a 46% reduction in youth detention and an 80% decrease in deep-end placements. I also became the executive subject matter expert on electronic monitoring technology, working closely with the Electronic Monitoring unit and managing the agency's relationship with our GPS technology vendor.
After leaving DJS, I brought my operational expertise to the federal level at OJJDP. This experience broadened my perspective from a single state to the national juvenile justice landscape, giving me visibility into how agencies across the country approach technology, reform, and operations. It deepened my understanding of the policy environment that shapes corrections technology purchasing decisions nationwide.
I launched Cleary Consulting to bridge the gap between technology companies and the corrections agencies they want to serve. After earning my Certified Artificial Intelligence Consultant (CAIC) certification from the U.S. Artificial Intelligence Institute, I combined my deep corrections expertise with a structured understanding of AI strategy to create a practice built for this specific market. Today, I help vendors enter the corrections space with confidence and help investors evaluate corrections technology with the operational perspective that no pitch deck can provide.
The certifications and experience behind every engagement.
Earned the CAIC certification from the U.S. Artificial Intelligence Institute, demonstrating structured expertise in AI strategy, implementation, and governance.
Progressed from Director of Communications to Chief of Staff at Maryland's Department of Juvenile Services, a cabinet-level state juvenile justice agency.
Served at the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), gaining a national perspective on juvenile justice operations, policy, and technology needs.
A track record of leadership, impact, and results.
Built an employee recognition program from scratch that awarded over 200 corrections staff for going above and beyond the call of duty. The program was employee-driven by design, and it continued after my departure.
Served as a trusted liaison to the Governor's office across both Democratic and Republican administrations, navigating the political dynamics that shape corrections policy and procurement.
Participated in the evaluation and deployment of a case management system that required 121 agency-specific modifications. I saw what made it succeed: constant communication, user input, and internal champions.
Served as the executive subject matter expert on electronic monitoring technology, working closely with the Electronic Monitoring unit and managing the agency's vendor relationship for statewide GPS tracking operations.
My driving force is simple: improve the corrections system for everyone. For the youth and adults in custody. For the staff who work in difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions every day. And for the communities that depend on these systems to keep people safe.
Working in corrections is one of the hardest jobs in public service. The environments are high-stakes, the scrutiny is constant, and the margin for error is thin. I believe that better technology, deployed the right way and by companies that genuinely understand the operational realities, can make these environments safer and more effective for everyone involved.
That is why I started Cleary Consulting. Not to sell products, but to make sure the right products reach the agencies that need them, in ways that actually work.
"Corrections agencies know they need technology. The real question is whether your technology knows corrections."
Born and raised in Maryland, Jay lives in Crofton with his wife and three children.
Let's talk about how 14 years of corrections leadership can help your company enter the market with confidence.
