Jacqueline M. Pitts is a passionate public servant, accomplished excavator, and published author. Ms. Pitts gained valuable leadership experience during her years at the New York City Department of Correction, serving in roles that included Correction Officer, Training Instructor, Training Captain, Assistant Deputy Warden, Facility Tour Commander, and Commanding Officer of In-service Training. Ms. Pitts' responsibilities at the Correction Academy included managing the development of training programs to address agency needs and compliance with oversight authorities, budget management, and collaboration with health care and legal professionals. Her appointment to the NYC Board of Correction aligns with her passion for community safety and correctional oversight.
Furthermore, Ms. Pitts is a member of NY Women in Correction, the Register of Professional Archaeologists, the Archaeological Institute of America, and the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society. Her archaeological excavation and related activities include work at the Mann-Simon African American Archaeology Project in Columbia, South Carolina, the Dill Sanctuary, a prehistoric and colonial site on James Island in Charleston, South Carolina, one of the Revolutionary War sites at Fort Green Park in Brooklyn, New York, and Ground Zero at the World Trade Center. In addition, Ms. Pitts has shared her knowledge and experiences while teaching anthropology, intercultural communications, and global studies at Berkeley College in New Jersey.
In 2013, Ms. Pitts wrote "The Children of Wasafa: A Message to Gang-Bangers," out of concern over street gang violence in communities of African descent. Based on the belief that the past can inform the present; she weaved a story illustrating the connectedness of African Diaspora peoples throughout history.
Email: JPitts@boc.nyc.gov