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Department of Juvenile Services

Office of Youth Engagement and Safety Services

The Office of Youth Engagement and Safety Services​​, headed by Olusola (Sola) Ogunranti, Executive Director, oversees the following departments:

  • Youth Engagement and Safety Services (Deputy Director - Rodney Izzard)
  • THRIVE Initiative (THRIVE Program Manager​​ - Brittany Dowdy)
  • Community Detention Program (Executive Director - Danielle Holman)

Olusola (Sola) Ogunranti

Executive Director, ​​Youth Engagement and Safety Services

Olusola (Sola) Ogunranti - Executive Director of Safety Services (headshot)

Olusola (Sola) Ogunranti serves as the Executive Director of Safety Services (YESS), where he oversees statewide Community Detention, Reporting Centers, Shelter Care, Police Liaison Unit, and the Thrive Academy program. Before serving as Executive Director, Sola served as the Regional Director of Baltimore City DJS Community Services and the Director of Community Detention Operations, where he supported the implementation of the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative and the operation of the Community Detention and GPS Program for each region. He has served in various other capacities at the Department, including Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative Coordinator and Case Management Specialist Supervisor.

Olusola received his bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership and Communication from Wright State University.

Rodney Izzard

Deputy Director, Youth Engagement and Safety Services

Brittany Dowdy

THRIVE Program Manager​​​, THRIVE Initiative

Danielle Holman

Executive Director, Community Detention Program​

Danielle Holman - Executive Director, Community Detention Program​ (headshot)

Danielle Holman serves as the Executive Director for Community Detention within the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS). Since joining the agency in 2008, she has built a distinguished career centered on advancing community-based supervision strategies and improving outcomes for youth and families across Maryland. A proud Baltimore native, Danielle is driven by a deep-rooted commitment to service, equity, and impact. Her subject matter expertise in community detention, particularly in GPS monitoring, supervision practices, and operational coordination, has elevated her leadership presence both within DJS and among statewide stakeholders. Throughout her tenure, Danielle has held several key leadership roles, including Community Detention Supervisor for the GPS Rapid Response Team and Community Detention Administrator overseeing day operations. In these capacities, she has led critical initiatives, supported system-wide enhancements, and played an integral role in shaping policy, procurement, and training frameworks that strengthen program delivery. 

Danielle is a Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission (MPCTC) Certified Adjunct Trainer committed to continuous professional growth. She is currently expanding her technical expertise through CompTIA+ certification coursework.