Hope Simpson is a dedicated and experienced professional with over two decades of service in the criminal justice and counseling fields. Currently a Senior Officer in the Reentry and Transitional Unit at the Orange County Corrections Department, she has a wealth of hands-on experience in working with individuals impacted by the justice system. Hope's tenure spans across various county and state agencies, including the Department of Corrections in both Oklahoma and Florida, giving her a broad and diverse understanding of the challenges within the system.

She holds a B.A. in Behavioral and Social Sciences from the University of South Florida and an M.A. in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. Recently, Hope completed the requirements for a Provisional License through the Florida Department of Health, further enhancing her expertise in mental health services. She is also a certified instructor with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and a licensed minister, demonstrating her deep commitment to service, education, and leadership.

Hope has a strong track record of involvement with professional organizations, having served on multiple boards, including the Florida Association of Community Corrections (2006-2017), Chapter VII of the Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency, and Toastmasters Club Orange. As President of Chapter VII for the 2022-2023 term, she successfully led her team, contributing to the growth and success of the chapter. Currently, she is the Vendor Co-chair for the Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency, a role she has held under the leadership of seven different presidents, showcasing her adaptability and commitment to the organization’s mission.

Hope’s passion for mentorship and training drives her to focus on both personal and professional development. She believes in the profound impact that these areas have on shaping lives, and she strives to mentor others to achieve their fullest potential. Her career is a blend of criminal justice and counseling, which she views as complementary fields that are deeply intertwined in positively impacting individuals and communities.

As a candidate for Secretary of the Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency, Hope is committed to fostering collaboration, advancing the mission of the Council, and ensuring that its work remains at the forefront of creating a fair and effective justice system. Her experience, leadership, and passion for service will make her an asset to the organization and its continued success.