Join us for the 6th Annual National Returning Citizens Conference

FROM BARRIERS TO BREAKTHROUGH

The 2026 National Returning Citizens Conference is more than an event — it’s a movement. This national convening brings together leaders, advocates, and system‑impacted individuals to turn real barriers into real opportunities. Join us April 7–10, 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida at the Southbank Hotel – Jacksonville Riverwalk.

From policy to personal empowerment, we’ll explore what it takes to turn obstacles into opportunities—together.

2026 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Four Keynotes. Four Powerful Journeys.

One Unmissable Conference.

We’re proud to announce four keynote speakers whose stories, leadership, and lived realities bring uncommon depth to this year’s conference. Each offers a distinct perspective on accountability, transformation, and the systems that shape lives.

Wednesday, April 8 | 9 am

Fox Rich

Time, Love, and the Fight for Justice: What It Takes to Hold Families—and Systems—Accountable

Documentarian, Author & Justice Advocate

Wednesday, April 8 | 11:45 am

Kwame Malik Kilpatrick

Power, Collapse, and Redemption: Leadership, Character, and the Cost of Decisions

Minister, Speaker & Leadership Consultant

Thursday, April 9 | 9 am

Joshua J. Smith

From Incarceration to National Leadership: Reimagining the Future of Corrections

Deputy Director, Federal Bureau of Prisons

Thursday, April 9 | 11:45 am

Chef Jeff Henderson

From Prison Kitchens to Global Stages:
The Power of Purpose and Reinvention

Award-Winning Chef, New York Times Bestselling Author & Speaker

Get a first look at the program.

Download the program preview with keynote bios and preliminary agenda.

DOWNLOAD PROGRAM

DIRECTOR'S FORUM
Corrections Leaders from Across the Nation

Moderator
ROB GREEN

Executive Director
American Correctional Association

Panelist
TYRONE OLIVER

Commissioner

Georgia Department
of Corrections

Panelist
RANDALL LIBERTY

Commissioner

Maine Department of Corrections

Panelist
DENISE M. ROBINSON

President and CEO
Alvis

Immediate Past President American Correctional Association

Panelist
DR. LAROME MYRICK

Executive Director

Juvenile Justice for Rhode Island

Panelist
CYNTHIA THRONTON

Deputy Secretary
Institutions Administration
Programs and Standards
North Carolina

Billboard and two-time Grammy Award- winning artist, composer, and producer

Annual Gala Entertainer Spotlight:
Irvin Mayfield

On Thursday, April 9, the National Returning Citizens Conference will host its signature Annual Gala featuring Grammy-nominated trumpeter Irvin Mayfield. Through music and storytelling, Mayfield will explore resilience and transformation — reflecting NRCC’s 2026 theme, From Barriers to Breakthrough.

The evening honors national changemakers advancing
second chances across the country and brings together leaders from across the reentry, workforce, and policy communities for a powerful moment of connection during NRCC 2026.

STAY UP TO DATE WITH OUR CONFERENCE, VISIT
https://nrcconference.org/

Support the

6th Annual NRCC

as a Sponsor.

DOWNLOAD SPONSORSHIP BROCHURE

ONLINE SPONSORSHIP

2026 Venue
Southbank Hotel –
Jacksonville Riverwalk

1515 Prudential Drive
Jacksonville, FL

For more information about NRCC please contact:

Ornetta Slaughter | info@nrcconference.org | (352) 988-5921

The National Returning Citizens Conference is dedicated to empowering individuals transitioning from incarceration and those formally incarcerated by fostering pathways to personal growth, community reintegration, and economic stability. Through collaboration, advocacy, and innovation, we seek to remove barriers to successful reentry, promote restorative justice, and elevate the voices of returning citizens.

https://nrcconference.org/

Share This Email

DIRECTOR'S FORUM﻿﻿Corrections Leaders from Across the Nation

DIRECTOR'S FORUM
Corrections Leaders from Across the Nation