Makenna Schroeder, a supervisor serving as the northern testing manager for the Office of Peace Officer Selection (OPOS), strengthens CDCR’s future while building herself.
Daughter of a 23-year CDCR employee, Schroeder is driven, setting and achieving career and personal goals. Her latest goal can now be checked off her list — entering a bodybuilding competition.
Held in South Lake Tahoe, she placed third in Women’s Open Physique and third in Women’s Open Figure.
Started state career early
When she turned 18, Schroeder began her state career as an office assistant with the State Controller’s Office. She then joined CDCR in 2022. Since January 2025, she’s served in her current position.
“Driven by a lifelong habit of goal setting, she has consistently advanced through the ranks. She has excelled in her supervisory role for the past two-and-a-half years,” said her father, Eric Schroeder. He serves as a special agent with the Office of Internal Affairs. “Her dedication to personal growth extends well beyond her professional life. A lifelong athlete and former high school volleyball player and wrestler, Makenna still plays adult recreational volleyball weekly.”
He went on to explain how she expanded her athletic pursuits into competitive women’s bodybuilding.
“She reached a major milestone this past weekend, successfully competing in a regional Volley Nation volleyball tournament and her very first bodybuilding competition,” he said. “Her mother I are incredibly proud of Makenna’s drive, diverse accomplishments and bright future.”
Inside CDCR caught up with the younger Schroeder to discuss her job, advice she might have for others and her love of physical fitness.
Q&A with Makenna Schroeder
Did your father’s career influence your career choice?
Initially, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do as a career after high school, so I joined the state as an office assistant. Since I knew my dad enjoyed working for CDCR, I then made my way over. First, I was an analyst for the Office of Employee Health Management in 2022. Then, I could fully understand my dad’s career growing up, which grew into a further passion.
When I saw the available position to become the northern testing supervisor, I was instantly hopeful as my dad had worked as an OPOS background investigator when I was in elementary school. Once I landed the position, I fully fell in love with being able to help guide potential candidates to the path of becoming a correctional officer. Growing up, I saw how my dad was able to provide for our family and take care of us. I’ve been with Northern Testing since January 2024 and grateful for the growth in my career and growth of my CDCR knowledge daily.
Why are you focused on physical fitness?
Being active has always been a part of my life. In high school, I was a varsity women’s volleyball player and a varsity female wrestler. I have continued to work out daily, go hiking, paddle boarding and still play adult volleyball. I also compete in Spartan Races. My stress release and overall hobby is to stay active. I feel like I also bring that to our physical fitness examinations by cheering on the candidates and motivating them to pass their exams.
Helping others join department
What do you enjoy about your job?
The opportunity to meet and encourage candidates, lead a team of great individuals and work together toward a shared purpose. I find it incredibly rewarding to support candidates, help solve challenges within the hiring process and contribute to the overall OPOS mission. Knowing the work we do can positively impact and change people’s lives for the better, gives me a strong sense of purpose. My passion for this work is also personal as it reminds me of my dad’s career and the positive impact he has had on others.
Do you have any advice for people looking to join CDCR?
My advice is to come in with an open mind, be willing to learn, try new things and treat every person with respect and encouragement. CDCR offers great opportunities to grow, build leadership skills and make a meaningful difference. Most importantly, remember every role plays a part in supporting the department’s mission.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I am truly grateful to lead such a hardworking and dedicated team. They motivate me every day. We may be small, but we are mighty. It is reflected in the quality of work and accomplishments we achieve together each day. I’m proud of what our team continues to accomplish, and I am excited for what we can achieve moving forward.
Story by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
Photos courtesy of the Schroeder family
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