National Office

MaryLee Underwood, JD, serves as the Executive Director for the Interstate Commission for Juveniles.  She is responsible for the administrative oversight and supervision of the organization, its projects, relationships, and staff.  In addition to overseeing the national office staff, Ms. Underwood recommends, implements, and monitors administration of policies, programs, and initiatives; assists Commission Members working to implement the Compact through the United States; and represents the Commission to state leaders, other stakeholders, and the general public.  Prior to joining the ICJ, Ms. Underwood worked for more than twenty years on justice policy on state and federal levels.  As the Staff Attorney for the Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs and Executive Director of the Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities, she focused on sexual violence, human trafficking, victims’ rights, collaboration building, and ensuring equal access for individuals with disabilities and other marginalized populations. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of Law and the University of Kentucky School of Social Work. 

Kirsten Wade serves as the Logistics and Administrative Specialist for the National Office. She is responsible for providing administrative support to ensure successful office operations. She also is responsible for coordinating and distributing information about logistics, scheduling, and materials. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of South Alabama in 2016 and a Master of Science in Terrorism and Homeland Security Policy from American University in 2018.

Jenny Adkins joined the national office in 2012 as the Training and Administrative Coordinator and worked as the Project Manager for the Commission’s electronic data system from 2013 to 2018. Ms. Adkins current role is Operations and Policy Specialist where she manages the Commission’s compliance and other policy-related programs. She also provides support for the rules promulgation process, maintains the Commission’s website, and oversees various projects and publications, such as the compilation of the Annual Report. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Midway College in 2012 and Master of Science in Justice Policy and Leadership from Eastern Kentucky University in May 2023.

Joe Johnson serves as the Systems Project Manager for national office and is primarily responsible for oversight and project management of the Commission’s web-based data system, UNITY.  In addition to this role, he is the leader of ICJ’s internal technology operations. He has spent the majority of his career building technology consulting divisions inside two regional CPA firms focusing on the 501(c) sector.  He has been an adjunct educator for over 10 years at the Center for Nonprofit Excellence.  Mr. Johnson received both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science from the University of Kentucky and holds several project management and software certifications.

Amanee Cabbagestalk joined the National Office in 2021 and serves as the Training and Administrative Specialist. She is responsible for the development and oversight of the Commission’s comprehensive training and education program, publication of the ICJ Updates newsletter, and administration of the web-based learning management system. Ms. Cabbagestalk is a graduate of the University of Tampa with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology. She currently works remotely from Tampa, Florida.