Team Bios

Scott Macdonald

Scott is a leading expert in the field of juvenile and adult probation, and assists various counties with improving probation practices and outcomes.

Annie Salsich

Annie has been working in the fields of youth justice and child well-being for 28 years. Currently, she is a national consultant, helping sites across the country reduce reliance on youth incarceration, increase reliance on effective community-based alternatives, and counter — through policy and practice — longstanding racial inequities. She brings a background in direct service and policy reform, having worked with youth in educational and social service settings before leading system-level change at the Vera Institute of Justice in New York City. Her approach to site-based technical assistance is rooted in collaboration, active learning, and a commitment to improving outcomes for youth and families.

Fernando Giraldo

Fernando is an Associate Consultant with JustSolve, Inc. and the retired Chief Probation Officer of Santa Cruz County, where he led the department for 12 years during a 30-year career. A nationally recognized leader in justice reform, he has advanced evidence-based, equity-focused approaches and secured nearly $30 million in funding to transform local services. Mr. Giraldo has served on state and local boards, spoken nationally on system reform, and has been honored with multiple awards for leadership and community impact.

Mark Varela

Mark began his career in public service in 1988 as a Deputy Probation Officer.  He rose through the ranks of the Ventura County Probation Agency becoming Chief Probation Officer in 2010.  During his tenure as the agency’s leader, Chief Varela was instrumental in launching many successful youth and adult justice initiatives and community rehabilitation programs.  Chief Varela served as Chair of Ventura County’s Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council, Community Corrections Partnership, and the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative Steering Committee.  He served as President of the Chief Probation Officers of California in 2015, and he was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown to the California Board of State and Community Corrections in 2018.  Chief Varela retired from public service in 2023 after 34 years of serving his community – the last 13 as Chief Probation Officer.  Since his retirement, Chief Varela has served as a consultant for Health Management Associates and JustSolve offering technical assistance in the area of youth justice.