Published: July 03, 2009 08:43 pm      

Probation director ready for challenge

With the recent retirement of adult probation director David Baker, John McGuire feels he has some big shoes to fill as his replacement.

McGuire began his new role as the 12th and 278th District Community Supervision and Corrections Department Director Monday.

“I couldn’t be happier to be in Huntsville,” McGuire said during a Thursday interview. “My wife is an assistant professor at Sam Houston State University so I am familiar with the area.

“It is a real honor to be here.”

McGuire’s main role is to oversee the workings of the local office, which supervises offenders put on probation by district judges in Walker, Madison, Leon and Grimes Counties .

“I have met all the judges I will be working with,” he said. “I hope to really prove to them that they picked the right guy.

McGuire, who currently resides in Bryan, has a 14-year history in the adult probation field, most recently serving as a supervisor in the Brazos County Community Supervision and Corrections Department.

He also has worked in the San Patricio and Nueces County probation offices, serving as a court liaison officer, a specialized felony caseload officer and as a misdemeanor caseload officer.

He was named employee of the year for Brazos County CSD in 1996.

McGuire has been a member of the Texas Probation Association since 1996, serving on the board of directors from 2006-09 and currently serving on its Publication and Political Action Committees.

He has had several articles published in the TPA’s professional journal “Texas Probation”; and was the 2006 recipient of the association’s Brian J. Kelly Award, given for accomplishments as an adult probation administrator.

McGuire is also a probation officer safety trainer, having served on the TDCJ-CJAD Safety Committee from 2004 to 2006 — the last year as committee chair.

“I plan to get involved with the community here in Huntsville,” he said. “I have already been asked to speak at an alcohol forum at Sam Houston State University.

“I am ready to roll up my sleeves and become part of the team here.”