Sharon Tyler

Sharon Tyler retired Baltimore County Government after 38 with over 32 years experience working in the criminal justice system, 22 of those years in the Baltimore County Detention Center. She graduated from the University of Baltimore with a BA in Sociology and began her career with Baltimore County working in case management. With progressively more responsible positions including supervision, management, and grants administration she was eventually promoted to Program Manager responsible for all inmate programs in a maximum-security pre-trial facility that averages a daily population of over 1200 inmates. Sharon was one of the earliest supporters of what has become UnCuffed Ministries. In response to a request by a young man to work with the youth detained in the facility, to tell them about God’s love and offer hope, she opened the door for the non-profit that became UnCuffed. Her legacy is a comprehensive 6 month treatment program for males with chronic criminality and substance abuse and a trauma centered program for females, both of which received awards and recognition from the National Association for Counties.

She represented the Department of Corrections on the following initiatives or workgroups and brings this experience to the Board: Behavioral Health Advisory Committee, Forensic Workgroup (Co-Chair), Offender Employment Workgroup (Chair), Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee, Mental Health/Criminal Justice Partnership, Combating Underage Drinking Coalition, Returning Veterans Workgroup, Overdose Fatality Review, Member of American Correctional Association, Maryland Criminal Justice Association and Maryland Correctional Administrators Association (MCAA) where she co-chaired the Mental Health/Substance Abuse Subcommittee and served as recording Secretary for four years. She was honored with a lifetime membership to MCAA upon retirement.

Sharon is a mother of three adult children and has been married to Tom for over 46 years. She is a 2006 graduate of Leadership Baltimore County and has served on the New Pathways (now merged with Pressley Ridge) Board of Directors for 10 years, four as President. She is a member of Fallston Presbyterian Church and has served as a deacon and elder for many years. She volunteers at her church and in the community. In retirement, she works as a consultant with RMA, Inc. and assists the Baltimore County Health Department with grant reports and their strategic planning.

Sharon was honored to be asked to participate on the Board of UnCuffed in retirement. She has seen firsthand the effects of incarceration on individuals and particularly the effect it has on incarcerated children. She is committed to finding ways to stop youth from being housed in adult facilities, but just as importantly she wants to support those who are with the hope UnCuffed can bring them.