By Thomas Beridon
Tiana Johnson has been appointed to the position of Chief Probation Officer for the Court of Common Pleas. Johnson is the first African American in history to serve in this position. The historic appointment reflects the Common Pleas Court鈥檚 commitment to diverse, transformative leadership and impactful service to the community.
For Johnson, she knows the role and profound responsibility of such a position. 鈥淭o be appointed as Chief Probation Officer, and the first African American to serve as such, is humbling and inspiring. It represents not only a professional achievement, but a historic step forward, and it is my hope that as young people consider career choices, they see the limitless possibilities for future leaders from underrepresented backgrounds in all parts of our judicial system. I am committed to serving with integrity and honoring the trust Presiding Judge Wende Cross, and all the Common Pleas Judges have placed in me. We have an amazing probation department, and will continue to build upon our department鈥檚 foundation of evidence-based practices and cognitive-behavioral interventions, ensuring our work aligns with best practices and the shared goal of reducing recidivism and promoting long-term positive behavior change.鈥
A Journey of Service and Dedication
Johnson began her career in 2006 as a General Division Court of Common Pleas Adult Probation Officer, working in various units, including neighborhood Community Substations and the Presentence Investigation unit. In 2013, Tiana Johnson was promoted to Probation Officer Supervisor in Municipal Court, her first major leadership role in the department. In January 2022, Johnson was appointed to Assistant Chief Probation Officer for the Court of Common Pleas. Her implementation of evidence-based interventions to modify offender behavior, reduce recidivism, enhance community safety, and prioritize protection of victims鈥 rights, helped to shape the probation department鈥檚 current operations.
In May 2024, Johnson was appointed Interim Chief Probation Officer for the Court of Common Pleas Adult Probation Department. Now with her appointment as Chief Probation Officer, the highest step in a long and impactful career, Tiana Johnson officially is the first African American to hold this impactful position.
鈥淲ith almost 20 years of experience, Tiana has been a steadfast advocate for rehabilitation, public safety, and community engagement. Her leadership and dedication have played a pivotal role in shaping evidence-based practices and fostering equitable outcomes for those under probation supervision. Tiana will also be instrumental in shaping the future of our probation services, fostering innovation, equity, and excellence鈥 said Judge Wende C. Cross, the Administrative Judge of the Common Pleas Court, General Division.
An Inspiring Leader for the Future
As Chief of Probation, Tiana will oversee critical initiatives aimed at strengthening community partnerships, improving rehabilitation programs, and ensuring justice is served with fairness and integrity. Tiana鈥檚 journey from General Probation Officer to Chief Probation Officer exemplifies what can be achieved through discipline, perseverance, hard work, and a deep commitment to public service.
This historic appointment signals an exciting new chapter for the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas Adult Probation Department and the criminal justice system as a whole. With Tiana Johnson at the helm, the department is well-positioned to continue leading the way in effective and impactful rehabilitation programs and probation supervision, Cross said.