Ruth Heinzl
Diversion & Deflction Supervisor @Marathon County Government
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WORK HISTORY
Diversion & Deflction Supervisor @Marathon County Government
I lead the strategic development, implementation, and oversight of Marathon County’s Deflection & Diversion programs—initiatives that align criminal justice reform with behavioral health, public safety, and fiscal responsibility. In this cross-functional leadership role, I manage staff, build coalitions, and secure resources to deliver measurable outcomes for the County. & Spearheaded the transition of the Deflection Program into the DA’s Office to improve system integration and operational impact. Built the County’s first co-responder model with 100% law enforcement commitment to pre-arrest deflection, following PTACC-aligned strategies. Serve on the National Diversion Standards Committee and train professionals statewide on the Wisconsin Diversion Standards. & Secured $1.6M in grant funding to support sustainability and innovation in criminal justice alternatives. Developed automated dashboards and KPIs to provide real-time performance data to funders and the County Board. Lead program budgeting, outcome tracking, and strategic reporting across multiple stakeholder groups. & 🤝 Built multi-sector partnerships with law enforcement, behavioral health providers, and Veterans organizations. Hosted a statewide justice reform summit attended by Attorney General Josh Kaul and high-ranking officials.🧩 Represented the County at Governor Evers’ Dose of Reality Roundtable, helping shape coordinated substance use response strategies.I am passionate about designing systems that are fair, effective, and data-informed. I thrive in environments where innovation meets accountability—connecting big ideas to real-world implementation.
EDUCATION
University of Minnesota
Psychology, Addiction Studies
The Johns Hopkins University
Master of Science - MS, Data Analytics and Policy
ABOUT RUTH HEINZL
I am a mission-driven public sector leader with a passion for building collaborative solutions to complex problems. For over a decade, I’ve worked at the intersection of behavioral health, criminal justice, and local government—leading Marathon County’s diversion and deflection efforts, mentoring new programs across the state, and driving measurable outcomes through strategic planning and data-informed decision-making.Currently serving as the Deflection & Diversion Program Supervisor within the District Attorney’s Office, I have successfully transitioned Marathon County’s Deflection Program to a fully integrated co-responder model with law enforcement buy-in across every jurisdiction in the county. Since 2023, I’ve secured over $1.6 million in grant funding, built veteran-specific partnerships, and hosted a statewide justice summit attended by leaders such as Attorney General Josh Kaul.I serve on the National Diversion Standards Committee, deliver statewide training on the Wisconsin Diversion Standards, and am recognized as a trusted resource in mentoring counties launching deflection and diversion programs. In 2024, the state’s Deflection Grant Manager joked, “If I were running for Senate, I’d hire her as my campaign manager—because she can make anything happen.”My leadership style is grounded in emotional intelligence, accountability, and purpose. I’ve led teams through culture change, developed automated dashboards for real-time decision-making, and contributed to strategic initiatives like the Governor’s Dose of Reality Roundtable and the UniverCity Alliance.Whether facilitating interdepartmental planning or mentoring front-line staff, I believe in clarity, compassion, and high standards.Where others see challenges, I lead with solutions.
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