The MCAA Mission

The Maryland Correctional Administrators Association is led by a dedicated group of elected officers who are committed to advancing the organization’s mission of promoting excellence, integrity, and collaboration within Maryland’s correctional facilities. Our officers work to strengthen the correctional community, support professional development, and advocate for best practices across the state

2023-2025 Elected Officers

Ryan Ross

President, Charles County Detention Center

rossr@ccso.us

Ryan Ross is the Director of the Charles County Detention Center, overseeing operations to ensure the safety of inmates and staff. With 21 years of experience, he has risen through the ranks, serving as Deputy Director before his current role. As President of the Maryland Correctional Administrators Association, he also chairs the COG Corrections Chiefs Committee and serves as Vice Chair of the Maryland Correctional Training Commission. A graduate of the National Jail Leadership Command Academy, he is dedicated to advancing correctional services.

Christopher Klein

Vice President, Superintendent, Anne Arundel County Department of Detention

dcklei21@aacounty.org

Christopher Klein, MCAA Vice President, is the Superintendent of the Anne Arundel County Department of Detention Facilities, overseeing two facilities, Pre-trial Supervision, House Arrest, and other programs. With 28 years in corrections, he has held leadership roles in the Delaware Department of Correction and Department of Safety and Homeland Security, achieving national accreditation through ACA and NCCHC. A Certified Corrections Executive, he is an expert in corrections and the Vice President of the Maryland Correctional Administrators Association.

Monica Thomas

Treasurer, St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center

monica.thomas@stmaryscountymd.gov

Monica Thomas, Treasurer of the Maryland Correctional Administrators Association since 2019, has served at the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center since 2011. Promoted to Classification and Offender Re-Entry Case Manager, she oversees programming, risk assessments, and re-entry services. Monica developed St. Mary’s Day Reporting Program and organized the MCAA State MOUD Collaborative. A lifelong Maryland resident, she resides in Lusby, officiating high school field hockey in Southern Maryland.

Kristina Donnelly

Secretary, DPSCS Patuxent Institution

kristina.donnelly@maryland.gov

Ms. Donnelly, Secretary of the Maryland Correctional Administrators Association, has over 27 years with the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. She began as an addictions counselor in 1995 and later served as Executive Assistant to the Director at Patuxent Institution. Since 2017, she has been Deputy Director for Field Support Services, overseeing key operations and initiatives. Her extensive experience and leadership have significantly advanced the correctional field in Maryland.

Mary Ann Thompson

Past President: Mary Ann Thompson , Support Services Manager St. Mary’s County Detention Center

maryann.thompson@stmarysmd.com

Mary Ann Thompson, Past President of the Maryland Correctional Administrators Association, is the Warden of the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center, a 351-bed facility with robust community corrections programs like Pre-Trial Supervision and Day Reporting. With 35 years of corrections experience, she oversees operations, policy compliance, and budget planning, ensuring safety and efficiency. A dedicated leader, she serves as Chair of the Local Government Justice Reinvestment Commission and a member of key professional organizations.

How Officers Are Chosen

MCAA officers are elected every two years through a democratic process. The President appoints a Nominating Committee to gather nominations from members, with additional nominations accepted at the general membership meeting before the election. Voting is conducted privately, and results are verified by the committee. Following tradition, the Vice-President transitions to President after two years, ensuring continuity in leadership.