Ladeidra N. Jones, Chair
Ladeidra N. Jones began her career working at the Woodford County Detention Center. She later worked as a Probation and Parole Officer in District 9 (Lexington, KY). She also has years of clinical experience in the field of Substance Abuse working at Fayette County Drug Court and Kentucky Department of Corrections (SAP). Ms. Jones received a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Kentucky State University and an M.B.A. from Midway University. She received her initial temporary certification in alcohol and drug counseling in 2015. Jones was appointed to the Parole Board on January 17, 2019.
Chris Deglow, Parole Board Member
Chris Deglow has served in the criminal justice field his entire career. After working as a Probation and Parole Officer from 1991 to 1996, he served as a Western District of Kentucky United States Probation Officer from 1996 until his retirement from the position in 2023. During his last twelve years as a United States Probation Officer, Mr. Deglow was the district's Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist and participated on multiple national advisory groups regarding training, daily operations, and programming aimed at reducing recidivism. He earned his bachelor's degree in Sociology and Psychology from Western Kentucky University. Mr. Deglow was appointed to the Parole Board on August 11, 2023.
Sharon Hardesty, Parole Board Member
Sharon Hardesty most recently served on the Kentucky Parole Board from 2013-2017 and was again appointed in July 2020 after a brief retirement. Hardesty is a graduate of the University of Kentucky with degrees in Sociology (B.A., M.A.) and Law (J.D.). A lifelong Kentucky resident, Hardesty spend most of her career teaching Sociology at Eastern Kentucky University. She brings a wealth of experience to the board in the areas of criminal justice, community and rehabilitation. Sharon was appointed to the Parole Board on July 21, 2020.
Cyndi Heddleston, Parole Board Member
Cyndi Heddleston has worked for the Kentucky Department of Corrections for 19 years. Ms. Heddelston worked as a Probation and Parole Officer in Lexington, KY, and the served as the accreditation manager for the Division of Probation and Parole, working with the agency's training, policy and procedure, and accreditation process. Ms. Heddleston most recently worked with research and grant projects for the Department and served as the Department's legislative liaison. She has a B.S. in Social Work and Criminal Justice and a M.S. in Criminal Justice. Ms Heddleston is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer having served in Namibia, Southern Africa. Ms Heddleston was appoint to the Parole Board in January, 2023.
Shawn Helbig, Parole Board Member
Shawn Helbig has spent 24 years in law enforcement. He spent the vast majority of those years serving with the Bowling Green Police department and spent three years as a detective for the Warren County Attorney's office. He currently holds the position of National Trustee for the Kentucky Fraternal Order of Police, where he represents nearly 11,000 law enforcement officials on the national level. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a minor in Criminology, and later earned a Master of Arts in Leadership Dynamics, both from Western Kentucky University. Mr. Helbig was appointed to the Parole Board on August 22, 2022.
Michael A. James, Parole Board Member
Michael A. James has spent his entire career in the criminal justice system. His experience includes nine years with the Texas Department of Corrections, two years in private corrections, and 23 years with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. Mr. James retired from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office in 2017 with the rank of Major as a division commander. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Justice and Public Safety, and a certificate in Conflict Management from Sullivan University. He is also a graduate of the Southern Police Institute Administrative Officers Course and the FBI National Academy. Mr. James served three years on the Louisville Metro Police Merit Board. Michael was appointed to the Parole Board on June 17, 2021.
Sherri Lathan, Parole Board Member
Sherri Lathan began her career in corrections as a Correctional Officer at Luther Luckett Correctional Complex. She was promoted to Probation and Parole Officer and served for 14 years. Sherri has a Bachelor of Science in Correctional Administration and a Master of Arts in Special Education. Prior to retirement, she served as a Recruitment and Certification worker for the state's foster care system. Sherri holds a Highly Qualified Special Education Certification and previously served as an Exceptional Child Educator in the Fayette County Public System. She has also served as a Disability and Mental Health Specialist and Compliance Manager with Community Action Council. More recently, Sherri returned to her passion in Corrections by serving as the Reentry Mentor Coordinator for Lexington Rescue Mission. Sherri was appointed to the Parole Board on June 17, 2021.
James D. Nickell, Parole Board Member
Jim Nickell is a graduate of Morehead State University and continued his professional training at Eastern Kentucky University and the Federal Law Enforcement Academy. After serving in the U.S. Army, he returned to Kentucky where he served thirty-seven years in law enforcement and administrative positions. Mr. Nickell began his professional career as Sheriff and Rowan County Judge Executive. He then worked with the Kentucky Attorney General's Office for nineteen years as a Criminal Investigator and Supervisor. He also served as Assistant Director of the Prosecutor Advisory Council. Mr. Nickell retired in 2004. After a brief time off, he returned to work as a Detective with the 37th Circuit Commonwealth Attorney's Office. He then served again in local government as Rowan County Judge Executive for eight additional years. Mr. Nickell was appointed to the Parole Board in August 2022.
Leigh A. Wiggins, Parole Board Member
Leigh Ann Wiggins began her career within
the field of corrections and social work, starting out as a deputy jailer at
the Daviess County Detention Center, working mainly with juvenile offenders. While working as a deputy jailer, Ms. Wiggins
simultaneously worked on her bachelor’s degree in social work at Brescia
University in Owensboro. Once her BSW
degree was obtained, she began work with the Kentucky Cabinet of Family and
Human Resources, Department of Community Based Services, Protection and
Permanency Division. Ms. Wiggins
remained in that position for five years before returning to the Daviess County
Detention Center to work as a substance abuse counselor in the GOALS Substance
Abuse Program. Ms. Wiggins later
obtained credentials as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor as well as her
Master of Social Work from Spalding University. In November of 2020, Ms. Wiggins was chosen as
the Director of the Daviess County Detention Center, GOALS substance abuse program
and remained in that position until her appointment to the Kentucky Parole
Board in August of 2023. Ms. Wiggins
community involvement includes being a member of the local Fraternal Order of
Police and as a member of the Daviess County Agency for Substance Abuse Policy,
where she has most recently held the position of secretary.