Women In Business -The Women Behind the Walls

The Women Behind the Walls: Leadership, Legacy, and Lasting Change
Join us for a powerful Women in Business Luncheon spotlighting trailblazing female leaders in the world of corrections. These remarkable women will share their inspiring stories of rising through the ranks in a challenging and often overlooked field. Learn how they’ve earned respect, led with integrity, driven meaningful change within correctional institutions, and built lasting legacies through service and leadership. This is a unique opportunity to hear firsthand how these women are shaping the future of corrections—one bold step at a time.

About Our Panel:
Maria Shirey
Deputy Executive Director, Utah Department of Corrections

Ms. Shirey has been an executive-level correctional professional for 9 years and has more than 18 years in the field serving in both Washington state and Utah. Currently, Ms. Shirey is the Deputy Executive Director for the Utah Department of Corrections.

For eleven years, Ms. Shirey worked in a communications capacity as a communications consultant and communications director, driving high-level strategy, developing and overseeing master communications plans, and serving as an agency spokesperson and primary media contact. Ms. Shirey has extensive experience in employee engagement built during her time as internal communications manager for the Washington Department of Corrections, where she focused on creating an effective and sustainable internal communications program that helped staff connect with the agency’s mission.  Ms. Shirey also led Utah Correctional Industries (UCI) for four years as its deputy director and director, developing evidence-based training programs that meet the standards for Reentry Performance Excellence.  Prior to her work in state government, Ms. Shirey was a television news anchor and reporter for NBC and CBS affiliates in Oregon and Alaska. 
 
Ms. Shirey has served on several state and national non-profit boards and committees. She was the chair of Washington State’s Interagency Committee of State Employed Women for two years. Ms. Shirey is a past Vice President of Marketing for the National Correctional Industries Association and is the incoming Vice President for the Association of Women Executives in Corrections. She is a subject matter expert and lead trainer for the National Institute of Corrections and consults on a contract basis for The Moss Group, Inc.  
 

Sharon D’Amico
Warden, Utah State Correctional Facility
 
In January 1997, Warden Sharon D’Amico began her career as a correctional officer at the Utah State Prison in Draper, starting in the Timpanogos Housing Facility. She advanced to sergeant in Wasatch A-Block before serving as a Case Manager in Wasatch Baker Block, where she gained valuable leadership and programming experience.

Continuing to rise through the ranks, D’Amico was promoted to Lieutenant and then Captain, serving in Internal Security and the Timpanogos Female Housing Unit. She later applied her expertise in housing and programming in External Security and, more recently, in the Bear and Antelope Housing Facilities.

Her dedication and leadership earned her promotion to Deputy Warden and, ultimately, Warden at USCF. Recognized for her knowledge and professionalism, D’Amico remains committed to empowering her staff and prioritizing their development in her new role.

Rebecca Brown
Deputy Executive Director, Utah Department of Corrections

Rebecca Brown, LCSW, was appointed Deputy Executive Director for the Utah Department of Corrections in August 2023.

She brings extensive experience in correctional healthcare, treatment program development, reentry strategies and operations, having previously served as Assistant Deputy Director at the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). In this role, she oversaw clinical services and the transition of correctional health services to DHHS, ensuring continuity of care for justice-involved individuals.

With more than 25 years in community-based and non-profit settings, Brown has played a pivotal role in recidivism reduction, reentry planning, and public safety initiatives. Her work at the Salt Lake County Jail and in community treatment programs laid the foundation for innovative, evidence-based approaches to rehabilitation and successful reintegration.

Brown holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Utah, specializing in Forensic Social Work, and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Substance Use Disorders Counselor. She also has an undergraduate degree in Human Services and Business Management.

As an executive leader in corrections and health and human services, Rebecca is committed to improving health and life outcomes for justice-involved individuals while maintaining a balanced focus on stakeholder experience, rehabilitation, and public safety. She remains dedicated to systemic reform, interagency collaboration, and evidence-based practices that enhance both individual and public well-being.