Tamika Nelson serves as the Chief Probation Officer for San Diego County, a role she assumed in January 2022 after two decades of dedicated service in the field. Her career began in 2001 as a probation officer while earning her Juris Doctorate from the Humphreys School of Law in Stockton, complementing her B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, San Diego.

As Assistant Chief Probation Officer in San Joaquin County, Chief Nelson championed innovative programs to support youth and families, expanding behavioral health, educational, and community-based services to aid successful community reintegration. She also spearheaded initiatives to reduce racial and ethnic disparities, showcasing her commitment to equity and inclusion.

Now leading the San Diego County Probation Department, Chief Nelson is the first African American woman to hold this position. Under her leadership, the department emphasizes family and community engagement, restorative practices, and employee development, setting a vision of holistic support and transformative change within the justice system.