About Us
Our Story
“Making sure you never walk alone…”
Unlike other associations where key officials receive monetary compensation just for holding position, the ACA was formed for the sole purpose of service to the membership, protecting and ensuring the rights of every correctional staff member without personal or monetary benefit to Execute Board members. Written into the ACA bylaws are strict financial rules on disclosure of funds and expenditures as well as strict approval of any reimbursements or stipends.
The ACA has one of the most comprehensive benefit programs compared to the other unions. Staff representation is provided on a variety of work related issues, work related legal representation from both the Napier Law Firm and an independent Legal Defense Fund, as well as, representation on policy decisions, grievances and disciplinary hearings. Providing no cost wills and discounted trusts to members and members family. At the legislative level of State government the ACA, through its affiliation with the APA has lobbyist who represent the interests of correctional staff presenting the many issues and concerns of our officers.
The ACA was founded with the belief of “Members First”. The ACA has maintained this fundamental belief and has been able to provide 24/7/365 legal representation since 2009; whereby other associations have failed.
“As ACA Executive President it is my duty and honor to represent the staff at the Arizona Department of Corrections. I believe all Department Employees deserve representation from those with integrity and honor.
The ACA has a long tradition of standing by their members. We have stood up to serve the greater good of the Department. The Department is a large extended family where no one should have to fight alone. As long as I am President no one in my family will.
I pledge to fight diligently to ensure a better work environment for our members.“
-Barry DeFeo, President
Legal Protections
Political Representation
Media Relations
Arizona Corrections Association,
supporting our members …
Our Leadership…
Executive President
Barry DeFeo
Born and raised in New Jersey, Barry moved to Arizona with his family in June of 1998. He currently lives in Pinal County and works in Maricopa County. He has worked for the Arizona Department of Corrections since February of 1999 and has been a supervisor since 2005. Barry has been assigned to Eyman Complex at SMU II (Browning), SMU I, and Cook; At Florence Complex, East, South, Central, North, and CB Kasson; Phoenix Complex Aspen Unit; and finally, Winslow Complex, Kaibab. Barry has also been a CO III working caseloads and Inmate Discipline. He is currently assigned to Phoenix, Aspen Unit as a Captain.
Barry has been involved with the prison associations since the early introduction of AZCOPS in the early 2000’s as a shop steward and grievance coordinator. He has also served as ACA (Arizona Corrections Association) Winslow and Florence Chapter Presidents and now as the ACA Executive President.
Vice President
Clinton Roberts
Clinton Roberts started with the Arizona Department of Corrections in August 2005. Since then, he has worked all levels of custody and all shifts. During his career he has seen unions as a hindrance to capitalism until he started working for the department/government. He saw how unfair officers and staff were being treated including himself. At the time the other organizations were giving up the rights of the officers. He and another officer stood up for officer’s rights and the leadership of AZCPOA threatened to sue us. At that point he and the officer started looking to form another organization. That is when Jim Christy and Glenn Conlon reached out advising that they formed the Arizona Corrections Association (ACA) under the Arizona Police Association (APA). Clinton has served as Chapter Vice President, Chapter President, Executive Vice President, Executive President and now Executive Vice President again.
His first priority for ACA is higher pay for all staff. If the agency can’t retain good competent officers to complete the daily mission and tactical priorities, everyone knows what eventually will happen. Over his 15 plus years, this has been the number one reason for the loss of great staff.
“We don’t get paid for what we do, we get paid for what could happen.” – Ken Eckstein
Secretary
Sarah Marsh
Treasurer
Jennifer Patraca
Jennifer is the Treasurer of the Arizona Corrections Association. She is a Correctional Officer with the Arizona Department of Corrections and is currently assigned to Florence South Unit. She continues to work with all levels of custody at multiple units within the department. She moved to Arizona from New England, where she grew up.
Jennifer's early career began in the fitness industry where she made a name for herself. Her highly driven personality and motivation to lead others has gained her respect and made her a prominent figure within the community. As a General Manager, she was an influential leader and mentor. She is passionate about supporting and developing people having developed and promoted many managers under her. Dedicated to the company's goal, she was a top performer in successfully driving value, growth and profiting multi billion dollar companies.
She is a proud member of the Correctional family and supports our mission to serve and protect the citizens of Arizona.
Douglas Chapter President
Jay Swanson
Eyman Chapter President
Jess Tellechea
Jess was Born and raised in California. She moved to Arizona in 2015 where she first got into corrections with the CCA Corporation. In 2016 Jess left the privet prison for the ADCRR. She was assigned to Florence Complex (North Unit). After the closure of North Unit in 2020 she was transferred to Eyman complex (Browning Unit). Shortly after Jess promoted to Sergeant and is currently assigned to Rynning Unit.
During her career, Jess has witnessed many staff members being treated unfairly. She felt the needed to act and try and help fix this issue. Jess is proud to be of service as the Eyman Chapter President.