Dean Dittman (left), winner of Affiliate Employee of the Year Award poses with Chief Probation Officer Brian Passenheim (right). Photo courtesy of Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC).

PLACER COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Dean Dittmann, a longtime leader within the Probation IT Managers Association (PITMA), a driving force behind the affiliate’s statewide growth, and a valued member of the Placer County Probation Department, has been honored at the statewide 2025 Annual Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) Awards Ceremony with the PITMA Employee of the Year Award. This award recognizes Dean’s visionary leadership, his commitment to elevating IT services for Probation Departments throughout California, and his remarkable ability to build connection and community within the probation profession.

 

“Dean’s leadership has helped transform how probation impacts our communities and brings people together to enhance the probation profession not just here in Placer County but throughout the entire state,” said Chief Brian Passenheim, Chief Probation Officer of Placer County. “His creativity, authenticity, and ability to foster collaboration have made a profound difference in how our teams connect and work together.”

 

Dean has reshaped how Probation IT Managers connect throughout the state to enhance the ways in which probation departments throughout California can manage caseloads, engage with those under supervision and deliver and connect people to rehabilitative services. His leadership within PITMA ensures that every participant feels valued, heard, and connected.

 

One of Dean’s signature contributions is the positive message he champions within PITMA: “I’m doing a great job.” More than a phrase, it has become a reflection point for members to recognize their efforts, celebrate progress, and support one another. This message has resonated widely, becoming part of Probation IT Managers Association's identity and inspiring professionals statewide.

 

“Dean doesn’t just manage IT services for probation, he builds community,” said Chief Steve Jackson, Chief Probation Officers of California President. “His dedication to enhancing the probation profession and probation work throughout California with innovative and responsive IT services reflects exactly this award honors. His leadership sets a high standard for all of us.”

 

Chief Probation Officers of California proudly recognizes Dean Dittmann for his outstanding service, his forward-thinking leadership, and his lasting contributions to PITMA and the broader field of probation. His work continues to elevate probation operations and strengthen collaboration statewide.

 

The Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) is an association of all 58 counties with a shared identity as law enforcement leaders. Chief Probation Officers of California is committed to a research-based approach to public safety that promotes positive behavior change. Their leadership guides policy and practice in prevention, community-based corrections, secure detention for youth, and direct human services. Chief Probation Officers of California aims to prevent crime and delinquency, reduce recidivism, restore victims, and promote healthy families and communities.

 

For more information about Chief Probation Officers of California, go to www.cpoc.org.