Meet the Leadership Team

Letter from the Director

“America is the land of the second chance.  And when the gates of the prison open, the path ahead should lead to a better life.”

George W. Bush

43rd President of the United States

The Colorado Department of Corrections, Division of Adult Parole, routinely receives individuals released from custody to commence their term of parole.  In many instances, they are released with minimal family support, unemployment, lack of stable housing, limited education, and of course, the stigma of being a convicted felon.  For many, the chance of success is distant, but not impossible.

The Colorado Department of Corrections, Division of Parole, recognizes our civic responsibility as public servants (i.e., and Agents of Change) to assist those in need who report to our offices, statewide, for community supervision.  We have assembled an outstanding team of Case Managers, Community Parole Officers, Behavioral and Reentry Specialists, partnerships with community resource providers, and more, to identify programs and services which help breakdown barriers for successful reintegration into the community.  Here, at the Colorado Department of Corrections, Division of Parole, we are intentional about developing the whole person, as opposed to merely getting to the finish line of successfully completing community supervision.  Life-long gratification for oneself and their families are of the utmost importance.  We employ a team of experts who are skilled in identifying wrap-around services to address a variety of needs, which yields favorable results that aid in one’s successful reintegration into the community.

The Colorado Department of Corrections, Division of Parole, recognizes that imprisonment alone is not the answer.  Through available programming and services, we are committed to investing in parolees and their change efforts.  Our goal is to disrupt the return to prison pipeline, via revocation of community supervision.  By way of our programs and services, we have the propensity to make a positive impact in the lives of many, all in the name of public safety.  So, when the gates of the prison open, and parolees report to the Colorado Department of Corrections, Division of Parole, please know we are a team of dynamic and diverse professionals committed to building a safer Colorado by cultivating transformative opportunities for the betterment of parolees, their family, and the public.    

Kito J. Bess

Director of Adult Parole

Melissa Smith, Deputy Executive Director of Operations

Melissa Smith has dedicated 25 years to the Colorado Department of Corrections, serving with a longstanding commitment, vision, and a deep belief in its mission. She began her career as a contract teacher and steadily advanced through pivotal roles, including Administrator, Assistant Director of Prison Programs, Deputy Director, and Director of Prisons.

Throughout her tenure, Ms. Smith has consistently exemplified clear and compassionate leadership, prioritizing staff support, strengthening systems, and ensuring safe and effective operations. Her extensive institutional knowledge and proven leadership have earned her respect and trust across the CDOC, making her an invaluable guide for the Department’s future.

As the current Deputy Executive Director of Operations, Melissa oversees critical statewide functions, including academic, career, technical, and post-secondary education programs. Her expertise includes grant and contract management, building workforce and industry partnerships, fiscal oversight, and implementing education technology. She also brings extensive experience in managing special populations and overall facility operations.

Kito J. Bess, Director of Parole 

Kito J. Bess has over 25 years of experience in community corrections and institutional settings. He was appointed Director of Justice Services for St. Louis County, MO, in February 2024. Previously, he served as Chief U.S. Probation Officer for the U.S. District Court in Minnesota and the Eastern District of Louisiana. A Miami native, Mr. Bess began his federal career in the Southern District of Florida in 2001 after working as a Correctional Probation Officer in Florida. 

He holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Criminal Justice from Florida Memorial College and Florida International University. Mr. Bess is dedicated to enhancing re-entry court programs, expanding workforce development, and leveraging technology for improved efficiency. His leadership earned him the U.S. Courts Administrative Office's Daniel B. Ryan Award and initiated the District of Minnesota's inaugural Re-Entry Court Commencement Program in 2021. 

In October 2025, Mr. Bess joined the Colorado Department of Corrections as the Deputy Director of the Division of Adult Parole, where he will continue to make a positive impact on Colorado Communities.  He remains dedicated to employing evidence-based practices while fostering a diverse and respected workforce. Coming Soon!

Deputy Director of Parole - Vacant

Coming soon!

Jessica Bertolas, Assistant Director, Transitional Services    

Jessica Bertolas graduated from Colorado State University with a bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts, with an emphasis in Criminal Justice. Jessica began her career with the Department of Corrections in 2008 as a State Service Professional Trainee. After successfully completing the Peace Officer Standard and Training program she became a Community Parole Officer. Throughout her career, she has worked in a variety of field offices, supervising clients with diverse backgrounds. She has spent the majority of her career working with clients who have a sexual conviction. She was promoted to facility case manager, Team Leader, Supervisor, Manager, and Assistant Director in April of 2022. Jessica currently oversees the Transitional Services Unit, formerly Offender Services. 

Jessica works collaboratively with department staff to implement intentional release planning for clients as well as providing support to clients on Parole. 

 

 John Bogner, Assistant Director, Southern and Western Operations

John Bogner earned his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in 2002. He later received a Master of Science in Security Management from Bellevue University in 2006. Since joining the Department of Corrections, Division of Adult Parole in 2008, John has served across Colorado in Colorado Springs, Englewood, Denver and Westminster.

During his tenure, John has held a variety of key roles, including supervisor in Colorado Springs, manager of the division's Training Unit, manager of the Fugitive Apprehension Unit, Training Unit, Command Post, Armory/Equipment, and the Colorado Springs parole office. With extensive expertise in training, parole operations, and budget management, John brings a depth of knowledge and dedication to his work in Adult Parole.

John is committed to enhancing public safety and promoting successful reintegration for individuals on parole. He believes in fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation within the Colorado Department of Corrections. 

John Cribari, Assistant Director, Administrative Services

In 1999, John graduated from Colorado State University–Pueblo with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Criminology and a minor in Psychology. One month prior to graduating from college, he was hired by the CDOC as a Correctional Officer at the Denver Complex. In 2008, John continued his CDOC career with the Division of Adult Parole. 

In April 2022, John promoted to Assistant Director over administrative services, community corrections, command post and fugitive apprehension for the Division of Adult Parole. Throughout his CDOC career, he has worked as a Correctional Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant with Prison Operations and a Parole Officer, Team Leader, Manager, and Assistant Director with the Division of Adult Parole. John constantly analyzes and evaluates processes to ensure best practices are implemented.

Andrew Zavaras, Assistant Director, Denver Metro and Northern Operations

Andy is a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. In 2005, he started with the division as a Community Parole Officer. In 2010, Andy was promoted to Team Leader and in 2015 he became the first Supervisor of the newly formed Housing & Stabilization Unit (HSU). In 2017, Andy was promoted to Manager over the HSU, West Denver, and Westminster offices at various times. 

Andy has served as the Deputy Compact Administrator of the Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision (ICAOS) and in 2022, he was appointed by Governor Polis as Commissioner of ICAOS for the State of Colorado. In addition to his ability to connect and foster relationships with other state agencies, Andy is passionate about intentional leadership and working through barriers that affect performance and culture.