1insidecca.com

JANURARY–FEBRUARY 2013

OUR PEOPLE OUR COMMUNITY OUR COMPANY WWW.INSIDECCA.COM

Career Development Get the most out of your performance review

Uncommonly CourageousCCA employees make heroic sacrifices to protect others

Thankful at Thirty

CCA celebrates three decades

of service

Meet CRYSTAL

FREEMAN CCA’s 2012 Employee of the Year

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In this Issue

InsideCCA is published six times a year by Corrections Corporation of America (CCA) for employees and their families.

Editor K. Danielle Edwards

Staff Writers DeAndra Mack Stacey Sparrow

Creative Specialist John Diffenderfer

Communications InternSeth Johnson

ContributorJenna Slocum

Contact UsWe welcome reader feedback and inquiries. Write to InsideCCA: newsletters@cca.com.

A clean slate. A fresh start.

That’s what the new year means for so many of us. And I am no different.

Leading up to 2013, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about the year past and the year ahead. Perhaps like many of you, I see the next 12 months as opportunity in waiting.

In recent times, I’ve gone from proclaiming New Year’s resolutions to a more simplified process — just writing out a list of goals I hope to achieve over the next 365 days. I don’t discuss or share the list. I quietly write it and tuck it away in a drawer.

My list usually ranges from the basic and long-delayed (such as organizing photo albums) to the somewhat grandiose (read the entire Bible, cover to cover). This working list, which I revisit periodically throughout the

year (but never amend or edit), is my own guidepost for staying on track.

As we, together, embark on 2013, let’s embrace the moment. No matter your goals, resolutions or to-do’s, there is something mo-tivational, reassuring and inspiring about the new year. This is a time to rekindle your dreams and a day to rede-fine yourself. This is a season when it’s more than okay to look in the mirror, focusing on no one or nothing but oneself. n

— K. Danielle EdwardsDirector, CCA Communications

Editor, InsideCCA

From the Editor

FEatUrES

4 CCa’s 2012 Employee of the YearAdams County Correctional Center’s Crystal Freeman stands tall

6 Our Outstanding EmployeesFacility Employees of the Year

7 Get Well, Stay WellEmployee wellness program takes on tobacco use

8 CCa Hits a Milestone30th anniversary celebrated in 2013

14 Focus on EthicsThe role of managers in creating an ethical culture

16 Your 2013 BenefitsAnnual enrollment update

19 Pressure to Buy?What you need to know about CCA’s new solicitation policy

21 Managing Your CareerGetting the most out of your performance review

22 Profiles in CourageHonoring CCA’s 2012 Courage Award recipients

COlUMnS

3 From the President’s Desk

9 timeline

10 Service awards

12 Facility Focus

13 Facility Spotlight

13 applause applause

15 Details

17 lifeStyle

18 Our People

20 Our CCa Family

23 Puzzle

24 From the Polls

We are touched by the loss of Penny Alford, who lost her battle with cancer on Dec. 6, 2012. A longtime CCA employee at Houston Processing Center, Ms. Alford was featured in the July/August issue of InsideCCA in the “Our CCA Family” feature.

thankful at 30By Damon Hininger

This is a very special time.

We’re in a new year, now that we’ve crossed the 2012 finish line and are in the early days of 2013. This year also marks a significant time for CCA. On January 28, 2013, we will officially cel-ebrate 30 years since our founding.

If you do a bit of research, you may find that 30th anniversaries are not treated as traditional milestone years. Typically, anniversaries are incredibly festive at the one-, five-, 10-, 25- and 50-year mark. However, for many people, turn-ing 30 is just as important.

It’s a moment of reflection and a time for celebration. It’s an age when you’ve matured and experienced enough to be confident and sure of yourself. Those of us who’ve crossed that threshold re-member how we felt, what that was like. And those of you who are looking forward to it likely view it as a gateway into a new phase of adulthood.

It’s the same for our company. For us, turning 30 is an opportune time for remembrance, merriment and recogni-tion. It’s also a time to honor our past, praise our present and look toward an even brighter future. That’s why our official 30th anniversary slogan is so fit-ting: “Thankful at 30: Our People, Our Passion, Our Partnerships.”

It’s about recognizing the people — our employees, in particular — who make us great. It’s about extending our pas-sion, that inward drive that calls upon us to make a difference, from the first-year frontline correctional officer to the long-serving facility volunteer. To our partnerships we owe our existence and continued success. Our partners are government and organizations like the American Correctional Association, the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors and the National Center for Construction Edu-cation and Research.

For me, most of all, it’s about being thankful for you. I am so proud of the work we do each day. I am even more proud of you as people. I’ve been blessed on my facility visits and travels to meet and spend time with many of you. I couldn’t ask to be part of a stron-ger group of professionals, whose char-acter, hard work and best-in-class spirit keep us leading at every turn.

I’ve been thankful at every juncture with CCA. I’m even more thankful at 30, as we work toward an even more vibrant tomorrow, together.

Thank you. n

From the President’s Desk

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“ Turning 30 is a time to honor our past, praise our present and look toward an even brighter future.”

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that’s what Crystal Freeman says in response to comments about her small stature. But

at 4 feet 11 and three quarter inches (she’s always quick to mention the three-quarters of an inch), Freeman stands taller than most. And, like dy-namite, she makes a big impact wher-ever she goes.

A correctional officer at adams County Correctional Center, Free-man has overcome more than her share of obstacles in life, including struggling with Attention Deficit Hy-peractivity Disorder (ADHD) since childhood, a difficult divorce and bal-ancing her career with being a single mom. But she approaches challenges with a can-do attitude and something she calls “little people syndrome.” Some of us may know it as the “Napo-leon complex.”

“That means if you tell me I can’t do something, then I do it,” she says.

Joining corrections is one of those things others told her she couldn’t do. Nonetheless, Freeman began working at Adams in March 2011 and proved them wrong.

“With me being as little as I am, my family and friends weren’t very happy with my decision at first,” Freeman says. “But a lot of people find it inspi-rational because I’m so little.”

C C a ’ S 2012 E M P l O Y E E O F t H E Y E a r

Crystal Freeman, Correctional Officer adams County Correctional Center By DeAndra Mack

“Dynamite comes in small packages.”

Crystal Freeman and her son, Christian.

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an unlikely career journey Freeman decided to join CCA after spending 10 years as a pharmacy technician. She found lab work unful-filling and felt she could better serve others by directly interacting with people more.

“I like helping prepare inmates to re-enter society,” Freeman says. “I try to help them as best I can, within policy.”

Freeman has amazed co-workers like unit manager Lawrence Walton, who quickly took notice of her savvy in dealing with inmates; he was so im-pressed that when he was transferred to a different unit last year, he re-quested that Freeman be transferred along with him.

“Mr. Walton thought it was phenom-enal that I’m so little and the inmates were quietly standing around me, lis-tening to the instructions I was giving them,” she says.

Freeman goes above and beyond to make a difference at her facility; she’s vice chairman of the Employee Engagement Committee and a SORT member. In fact, during an inmate disturbance last May, she suffered a significant injury to her arm while car-rying out SORT duties. But she contin-ued working with her team for at least eight hours after being injured, all for one simple reason: “I had a job to do and I don’t leave my team,” she says.

Nearly every day since the incident, she has written the word “forward” or drawn an arrow on her hand, as a constant reminder to carry on when she feels discouraged.

Freeman is also motivated by the phi-losophies she’s learned from her nine years of Korean martial arts training. She now has a black belt in Han Mu Do and reaching that status requires more than mastering technique; she had to practice some valuable life les-sons.

“I’ve learned that happiness isn’t something you can buy,” she says. “It’s something you have to wake up and decide. Even in the hardest times, you have to look for the positive.”

the most meaningful motivationAway from work, Freeman also spends time volunteering at a local shelter for battered women, where she teaches basic self-defense while helping build women’s self-esteem.

Most of her time, though, is dedi-cated to raising her seven-year-old son Christian.

“He thinks I’m his superhero,” she says. “He motivates and inspires me. He knows I work in a prison, but I don’t refer to the inmates as ‘prison-ers’ because I don’t want him to get a preconception of people.”

Freeman is careful not to stigmatize people partly because of her own struggles with being labeled. As a child, she was placed in remedial classes due to her poor grades. But after being tested, teachers realized she was gifted and assumed she sim-ply wasn’t applying herself. In her late 20s, Freeman was finally diag-nosed with ADHD. Equipped with an

understanding of her unique learning chal-lenges, she eventually graduated from col-lege and was inducted into her school’s Hall of Fame — its highest honor for academic achievement.

Freeman hopes to someday change the way students are la-beled when they face learning challenges.

“They call ADHD a learning disability, which says that people who have it are not able to learn. I’d prefer they call it a ‘learning difference’ or some-thing like that,” she says.

In her career, Freeman hopes to even-tually promote to sergeant, but she’s more concerned with a different am-bition.

“I think the biggest goal I have is just making an impact on somebody every day,” she says. “Taking advantage of every opportunity to let someone know that I see them, I hear them and I care can make a big difference.” n

See page 6 for a list of facility Employee of the Year winners.

Freeman with Master David Higgs, her Han

Mu Do instructor.

Freeman with fellow SORT members.

Bartlett State Jail Janet Kruse

Bay Correctional Facility Cecelia Gail Jones

Bent County Correctional Facility Christopher Chavez

Bradshaw State Jail Alvinia Wady

Bridgeport Pre-Parole Transfer Facility Gloria Franklin

California City Correctional Center Steven Jenkins

Central Arizona Detention Center Anthony Hillis

Cibola County Correctional Center Zuwena Saxton

Cimarron Correctional Facility Jeferrey Sitterly

Citrus County Detention Facility William Roberson, Sr.

Coffee Correctional Facility Antonio Sirmans

Correctional Treatment Facility Barbara Russell

Crossroads Correctional Center Paul Hauth

Crowley County Correctional Facility Loyce Frazier

Davis Correctional Facility David Spors

Dawson State Jail Antonio Jennings

Eden Detention Center Willard Wagner

Elizabeth Detention Center Iman Q. Miller

Eloy Detention Center Karl Lyons

Facility Support Center Angel Martin

Florence Correctional Center Daniel Friday

Graceville Correctional Facility Erica Watford

Hardeman County Correctional Center Gary Stoddard

Houston Processing Center Yves Forges

Idaho Correctional Center Alan Rose

Jenkins Correctional Center Tonia Davis

Kit Carson Correctional Center Christina Weickum

La Palma Correctional Center Jessica Wolanski

Lake City Correctional Facility Stephanie Campbell

Lake Erie Correctional Institution Renee Taylor

Laredo Processing Center Homero Moreno

Leavenworth Detention Center Dennis Stephens

Lee Adjustment Center Ronnie Herald

Lindsey State Jail Lelia Cotton

Marion Adjustment Center Mina Phillips

Marion County Jail II Pam Crockett

McRae Correctional Facility Brenda Stapleton

Metro-Davidson County Detention Facility Takiyah Cooper

Mineral Wells Pre-Parole Transfer Facility Billie Massey

Moore Haven Correctional Facility Jerry Spears

Nevada Southern Detention Center Lasinda Chism

New Mexico Women’s Correctional Facility Taylor Aragon

North Fork Correctional Facility George B. Tanajura

North Georgia Detention Center Bonnie Abernathy

Northeast Ohio Correctional Center Candace Rivera

Prairie Correctional Facility Robert McCoy

Red Rock Correctional Center Argero Volakis

Saguaro Correctional Center David B. Rocha

San Diego Correctional Facility Jennifer Gutierrez

Silverdale Detention Facilities Marshall Norfleet

South Central Correctional Center Reba Love

Stewart Detention Center Earlene Shingles

T. Don Hutto Residential Center Maria Hernandez

Tallahatchie County Correctional Facility Kenneth Little

Torrance County Detention Facility Dominic Griffo

Webb County Detention Center Manuel Avila

West Tennessee Detention Facility Sean Walton

Wheeler Correctional Facility Lenard Harris

Whiteville Correctional Facility Edward Hinton, Jr.

Wilkinson County Correctional Facility Eric Gaines

Willacy County State Jail Miguel Moreno

Winn Correctional Center Kathy Richardson

2 0 1 2 C C A F A C i l i t y E m p l o y E E s o F t h E y E A r

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Being Well, Staying HealthyNew employee wellness program tackles tobacco use first By DeAndra Mack

Helping employees get well and stay well is the focus of a new company effort starting this year.

Did you know that certain lifestyle habits, such as lack of exercise or tobacco use, can con-tribute to employee absenteeism, individual medical expenses and rising insurance premi-ums for employers and employees alike? Ac-cording to an article published in the Harvard Business Review — “What’s the Hard Return on Employee Wellness Programs?” — company wellness programs enhance the social, mental and physical health of employees.

The first phase of CCA’s new wellness program is supporting tobacco users in breaking the habit. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 20 percent of adults in the U.S. smoke cigarettes. More than three percent of all adults in the U.S. use smokeless tobacco, which includes chewing tobacco and snuff.

When employees elect their 2013 medical in-surance coverage during the mandatory open enrollment period of Jan. 21-Feb. 15, 2013, they’ll choose from three options: 1) non-to-

bacco users, 2) tobacco users who will enroll in a cessation program, or 3) tobacco users who will not participate in a cessation program. Employees who select one of the first two op-tions will pay a lower coverage rate through payroll deduction than those who select the third option.

“We recognize that it’s a challenge for tobacco users to stop that habit, and that’s why the ces-sation program is important,” says Ben Elrod, CCA managing director, Human Resources. “We want employees to talk with health coaches who can provide useful information, tobacco cessations aids and accountability on their path toward breaking the habit.”

Additionally, this year CCA is partnering with a wellness provider known as Onlife.

Starting in the third quarter of 2013, teams of Onlife medical professionals and wellness coaches will visit facilities to offer biometric screenings, which measure blood pressure, glucose levels, lipid profiles and weight.

While employees are not required to partici-pate in these on-site visits, all participants will

pay a lower rate for medical coverage for the next plan year, which will begin April 2014.

CCA’s partnership with Onlife also gives em-ployees access to a website that provides a variety of wellness resources, useful tools and wellness trackers.

“The health issues that affect our employees are similar to those facing many Americans — cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma, hypertension and others,” Elrod says. “We rec-ognize that genetics play a role, but lifestyle choices also play a big role. By introducing this wellness program, CCA supports employ-ees in making healthy choices as we strive to improve the overall health of our workforce.”

For more information, contact your Human Resources manager. n

The two most popular wellness offerings are the nurse line and the healthy pregnancy program. 

Approximately 75 percent of CCA employees participate in our medical plans. Of those, 50 percent partic-ipate in the UnitedHealthcare Consumer-Driven Plan, 40 percent participate in the BlueCross BlueShield PPO2 and 10 percent participate in the BlueCross BlueShield PPO3.

70%of eligible employees are enrolled in vision plans.

80% of eligible employees are enrolled in dental plans.

75% Percentage CCA pays toward the cost of medical coverage; employees pay the other 25 percent.

EmPlOyEE

CCA

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CCa’s anniversaryThankful at 30: Our People, Our Passion, Our Partnershipsby K. Danielle Edwards

In 1983, our founders introduced an idea that had never been seen or heard before — a company operating correctional facilities on behalf of government. Thanks to that bold thinking, CCA was founded. And today, almost three de-

cades later, we’re still standing as the leader in our industry.

Our 30th anniversary officially takes place on January 28, 2013. And throughout the year, we will celebrate this milestone.

OUr PEOPlEOur people are what make us great. Our more than 16,000 employees are hardworking men and women who, each day, strive to make a difference. They keep our facilities secure and help make our communities safer. They are the face of our company and the important public service we provide. Our employees are deeply committed to our mission, vision and values. To them, we owe much, including our success and longevity.

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OUr PaSSIOnOur passion is what drives us every day. Passion represents the sense of duty, a deep in-ward calling to serve faithfully and tirelessly. Passion means we believe strongly in what we do as protectors of our communities, role models and guides to the men and women in our custody, and active and collaborative partners to our supporters and government. Others, including friends of CCA, share our passion. Our volunteers, nonprofit agencies and organizations that we support, and community leaders believe in our capacity to change lives and communities for the better.

OUr PartnErSHIPSPartnerships are the very foundation on which our company was founded. Back in 1983, when CCA started, there had never been a company that worked on behalf of govern-ment to operate and build correctional facilities. Because government at the federal, state and local levels have realized the quality, innovation and value CCA brings to this impor-tant public service, we remain stable and successful today. Our more than 60 facilities and locations in multiple states are a testament to this fact. n

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Service awards

20 yEArs

15 yEArs

Bent County Correctional Facility

Bridgeport Pre-Parole Transfer Facility

Emma Wysong Ronnie ParkerJohnny HernandezAllen Magana Vivian Stockard

Central Arizona Detention Center

Kevin May Roger Barnard William Christian

Catherine Sullivan

Citrus County Detention Facility

Davis Correctional Facility Elizabeth Detention Center

Eloy Detention Center

Cimarron Correctional Facility

Arthur Murray Thomas VinsonCharles MasonTerry Underwood Bryan Yandell

Facility Support Center Bradshaw State Jail South Central Correctional Center

Bruce Winborn Kimberly Faulkner Terry Smith

Florence Correctional Center

Silverdale Detention Facilities

Wilkinson County Correctional Facility

Robert Romero

Houston Processing Center

Larry Smith

Red Rock Correctional Center

John Thynne Corey Moon Linda Ferguson Marcell Gilbert

Winn Correctional Center

10 yEArs

Bartlett State JailLanny Cawthon

Bent County Correctional FacilityTimothy BeebeGloria QuinteroDuane RomeroCheryl StevensMichael Tripp

California City Correctional CenterKatherine ChavezLeonard LopezEsmeralda Rizo

Central Arizona Detention CenterMaria RileyRyan Taylor

Cibola County Correctional CenterCleo GarciaNorman HassellDouglas Scott, Jr.Crinda Thornton

Citrus County Detention CenterKathryn EverettJanice Phillips

Coffee Correctional FacilityLoyce FrazierGlenda Herrington

Crowley County Correctional FacilityAnna AcordRodolfo AcostaWayne AkinsDeann Anderson

Georgia AndersonBecky AragonSteven BalchuckKenneth BaylorJohn BeghtelJohn BradshawRomona BridgesPhyllis CandelariaBruce CollinsMichael Esquibel, Jr.Tina FrakerGrace GonzalesManuel Gonzales, Sr.Georgiann HowellsRachael InfanteDennis KastelicRichard LujanSteven Luna, Jr.Mary MannAlbert MartinezRandall Martinez

Malinda McMillianRochelle McSweeneyJamie MillerArthur Montanez, Jr.Ernest MontanezPatrick MyersDavid NavarreteJames OwensMarshall PachecoJoann PeilShirley RagsdaleJean ReinBob RookElizabeth RookAngela SanchezSusan SchulzSherri SmithRudy TerronesTroy ValdezRicky WaughWanona Wiker

Correctional Treatment FacilityStacey PhelpsCoretta Speight

Facility Support CenterDeborah GilbertsonAnthony GrandeBrian HammondsNatasha Metcalf

Eden Detention CenterFidel Huerta, Jr.Joel Kemp

Hardeman County Correctional CenterBarbara BomarJoanne HensonKent JoyWillie Parks, Jr.Aaron Wilson

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Service awards

10 yEArs (Cont.)

Houston Processing CenterNasario Leyba

Laredo Processing CenterMiguel Lopez

Marion County Jail IIZachary Zeis

McRae Correctional FacilityRoy AaronNellie BlankenshipJamie ClementsTamika ColeyJeanna EcklesCalvin Edwards

Robert GibsonCarmen GreenLin GweeWilliam HarrisMaurice HuntJanie JohnsonJoyce KingTeresa KingGlenn KnowlesDanielle MartinQuinton MullisWilliam RobersonCheryl SamsRico StuckeyArthur Treat

Darla UsseryGeorge WashingtonJerry WheelerOliver WilliamsDaniel Yawn

Metro-Davidson County Detention FacilityCory Taylor

Mineral Wells Pre-Parole Transfer FacilityBillie Massey

Red Rock Correctional CenterSharolyn Weaver

Silverdale Detention FacilitiesShana English

Torrance County Detention FacilityAndrew GutierrezLorraine Kirchner

West Tennessee Detention FacilityConnie Taliaferro

Wheeler Correctional FacilityFelicia RogersCarolyn Waller

Whiteville Correctional FacilityJamica BeauregardTameko CleavesTerrence PirtleLawrence Smith

Wilkinson County Correctional FacilityJessie Groom

Winn Correctional CenterMartha BookerCarlton BrownBobby SandersKenneth Vernor

CCa’s Facebook Fan Count reaches 10,000

CCA recently celebrated a social media milestone: the company’s Facebook fan numbers reached 10,000 — and counting. At the beginning of 2012, CCA

had fewer than 4,000 Facebook fans. Attracting 6,000 fans in a single year is major growth compared to the Facebook fan count of many similar organizations. Today CCA has the largest Facebook following of any correctional system in the country.

While the majority of the company’s Facebook fans are em-ployees, others include government and supplier partners, employee family members, neighbors in CCA communities and inmates’ families.

“It’s not uncommon to have dozens or hundreds of fans like or comment on our posts,” says Louise Grant, vice president, Communications. “And while we know that Facebook is not accessible on CCA computers, our ability to communicate with employees in a more personal setting outside work has been meaningful to the company.”

To visit CCA’s Facebook fan page, go to www.facebook.com/correctionscorp. n

Employees at CCA’s Facility Support Center — its national headquarters — celebrated with Facebook-themed cookies.

Facility Focus

CarInG FOr tHE COMMUnItY

1 adams County Correctional Center

K-9 sergeant Don Beasley and K-9 Katie visited Brookhaven Academy during Red Ribbon Week to educate children on the dangers of using drugs.

- Emilee Beach, manager, Quality Assurance

2 lake City Correctional Facility

Lake City Correctional Facility’s “Team Lockdown” has participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life for the past few years. The facility has been awarded first place for Best Camp Site (“Egypt” in 2011, “Western Jail” in 2012) in the last two years, meeting its fundraising goal each time.

- Shirley Cox, administrative supervisor

3 laredo Processing Center

In October, Laredo Processing Center staff came together for an after-noon of pink sweets. All month, employees wore a pink ribbon in mem-ory of those who have lost the battle with breast cancer and to show support for those who are currently fighting. On the last Friday of the month, staff brought in pink treats for the whole facility.

- Rosie Perez, administrative clerk

4 Stewart Detention Center

Stewart Detention Center competed in the 15th Annual Pig Fest in Rich-land, Ga. Employees, along with participants from Immigration and Cus-toms Enforcement and TransCor, formed a team to enter the “backyard grillers” cooking competition. The team placed fifth in ribs and third in pork shoulders. The team sold $700 worth of BBQ sandwich plates, with all proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society.

- Bethany Norman, business manager

5 West tennessee Detention Facility

In November, staff from West Tennessee Detention Facility rested after spending the morning cleaning up as part of the Adopt-A-Highway pro-gram in Mason, Tenn. “We not only want to be good neighbors to the town of Mason, we also want to be productive and active in this great community,” says Michael Donahue, former warden at the facility. The group collected more than 300 pounds of trash.

- Mike Machak, manager, Public Affairs

a Glance at recent Facility Happenings

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Facility Spotlight

Saguaro Correctional Center Eloy, Arizona By Stacey Sparrow

On any given day from March to October, you’ll find non-uniformed staff at Saguaro Correctional Center trying to outdo each other with brightly

colored Hawaiian shirts. This is part of the facility’s efforts to embrace Hawaiian culture since Saguaro partners with the state of Hawaii.

The facility engages inmates through traditional Hawaiian holidays and celebrations, such as Prince Kuhio Day and King Kamehameha Day, as well as the opening and clos-ing ceremonies of Makahiki, which welcomes the new year. Warden Todd Thomas does his best to make sure employ-ees have the opportunity to participate in these events, which helps foster respect between inmates and employ-ees.

“The administrative staff believes that engagement hap-pens from the top down, so we walk the campus several times a day and lend a hand where needed,” Thomas says.

Appreciation is a language we all understand, and this facil-ity is no exception. Cookouts, snacks, tokens and recogni-tion for daily successes are commonplace and part of the team culture.

Saguaro is plugged into its local community as well. Em-ployees are active in numerous organizations and events in Pinal County, including the Chamber of Commerce, March of Dimes, CASA, Relay for Life, Concerns of Police Survivors Foundation and the Pinal County Peace Officer’s Memorial. They also participate in community-based service organiza-tions like the Rotary Club and are involved in local highway clean-up efforts.

The facility is located between Tucson and Phoenix on a 500-acre footprint it shares with Eloy Detention Center, la Palma Correctional Center and red rock Correctional Center. The name “Saguaro” was chosen for the many sa-guaro cacti in the area. n

ACA ACCREDITATION

Congratulations to the following facilities on their recent accreditations by the American Correctional Association and their high scores:

Facility aCa ScoreCrowley County Correctional Facility 100%

Lake Erie Correctional Institution 99.06%

TRACKING TEAM SAFETY

The following facilities have gone more than a year without a lost-time accident (as of press time):

Facility Date of last lost-time accident

Bartlett State Jail October 1, 2011

New Mexico Women's Correctional Facility

October 26, 2011

North Georgia Detention Center September 28, 2011

Willacy State Jail August 27, 2011

Applause applause

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Ethical leadership Breeds an Ethical Culture A focus on the role of managersBy the CCA Ethics Office

Within our company, there are many managers at various levels. Supervisors can range from se-nior managers and directors at the Facility Sup-

port Center to assistant shift supervisors and department heads at our facilities.

With seniority comes responsibility. That’s especially true when you’re a “people leader” — someone who supervises others.

An ethical culture hinges on senior leadership and middle managers setting the tone. Managers who understand their role in morale-building make all the difference. Manag-ers have direct access and constant interaction with their teams, holding a large sphere of influence in the workplace. The cooperative nature of the manager-employee relation-ship directly shapes the culture of the workplace, making ethical leadership from supervisors all the more important.

an ethical culture and ethical leadership go hand in hand

CHaraCtErIStICS OF an EtHICal CUltUrE CHaraCtErIStICS OF an EtHICal lEaDEr

Organizational justice — administers policies with fairness and transparency

approachability — open to feedback and suggestions

Comfort speaking up — builds a culture of open communication and establishes reliable reporting mechanisms

Modeling behavior — exemplifies high standards of behavior

trust in colleagues — forges working relationships rooted in loyalty and dependability

Passionate about success — demonstrates keen interest in personal, employees’ and organizational growth and development

tone at the top — integrity in our leadership ranks inspires companywide emulation

Communicates expectations — informs staff about acceptable standards of behavior and performance

Manager approachability and humility go a long way toward creating an ethical culture. Approachability makes manag-ers accessible to staff, inviting them to share information and build relationships. Humility fuels learning and open-ness for self-improvement.

Research and experience prove the main benefits of an ethical workplace culture. These include retention of high-caliber employees, fewer unscheduled absences, and strong working relationships based on commitment to colleagues and the organization. n

Manager approachability and humility goes a long way toward creating an ethical culture.

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Workplace Harassment By John Diffenderfer

CCA’s commitment to a harassment-free workplace is a critical part of our mission of safety and security. Subjecting an employee to harassment or tolerating such harassment by a third party, includ-

ing inmates and detainees, undermines the ability of our employees to function at their best.

Policy 3-17, Harassment/Sexual Harassment, prohibits harassment by and of employees. You are encouraged to regularly review the policy to be sure you understand conduct that is prohibited, your responsibilities in maintaining an environment free from harassment and how to report conduct you believe is in violation of the policy. As we strive to maintain a professional, respectful demeanor when interacting with others in the workplace, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Verbal and non-verbal communication that includes the use of sexually degrading words, gestures or innuendos is prohibited.

2. Harassment based on gender, race, age, national origin, religion, disability or other legally protected characteristics is prohibited.

3. Harassment can include the display of printed or digital material or other items that may be offensive to some in the workplace.

4. Physical contact of a sexual nature is never appropriate in the work-place.

5. No employee has the authority to make any term or condition of em-ployment, including wages, promotional opportunities and job assign-ments, depend on another employee’s submission to or rejection of sexual advances.

6. No employee has the authority to retaliate against another employee because of the rejection of sexual advances or a report of conduct in violation of Policy 3-17. n

Note: The individual depicted here is not an actual CCA employee; he is a model.

Details

If you believe you have been sub-jected to such conduct or you know someone who is engaging in such conduct, report it! Reports may be made to any supervisor, HR manager, warden or the corporate Helpline at 1-866-757-4448. If you are engaging in conduct you be-lieve might be in violation of Policy 3-17, stop it! Your career and the safety and security of your work-place depend on it.

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Your 2013 Benefits Annual enrollment updateBy Jenna Slocum

there are many benefits to building a rewarding career with CCA. Count health care coverage among them.

The cost of health insurance continues to rise for all Americans, and CCA employees will experience an increase this year as well. The good news: The company will continue to cover an average of 75 percent of employee health care premium costs in 2013.

“My husband and I both work for CCA, and we sign up for the benefits CCA offers,” says Judith Carpenter, administrative clerk at Kit Carson Correctional Center. “We love the careers we have with CCA and appreciate that this company cares for their staff by of-fering medical, dental, vision and life insur-ance.”

There are two important changes you need to be aware of: 1) this enrollment period will be an “active” enrollment, and 2) your to-bacco status may affect your medical plan premiums (see related article on page 7).

annual enrollment — you must take action!

This year, all employees must actively enroll. Active enrollment means that every employee must go online to www.myccabenefits.com or call the ben-efits hotline at 1-877-725-2465 to make their 2013 medical, dental and vision plan choices, even if those elections are the same as 2012.

“There have been several plan changes this year,” says Michelle Burleson, CCA senior director, Employee Benefits. “We want em-ployees to review all the plan options prior to making their selections. This is the best way to know they’ve made the right decisions for themselves and their families.”

Previous elections will not be automatically renewed. You must enroll to have health care coverage in 2013. Otherwise, your coverage will end as of March 31, 2013. n

an average example of health care rates per pay period: 

total cost of single coverage = $160/paycheck. Employee pays $40 and CCa pays $120.* 

total cost of family coverage = $600/paycheck.  Employee pays $150 and CCa pays $450.* 

* Not actual CCA rates. Numbers reflect an average based on CCA paying 75 percent of the premium.

17insidecca.com

LifeStyle

new Year’s resolutions By John Diffenderfer

the new year offers opportunity for a fresh start. Here is the U.S. government’s list of the most popular New Year’s resolutions — with tips on how to keep them:

Drink lEss AlCohol

tip Know how much alcohol is in a drink. For instance, in gen-eral 12 ounces of beer has less alcohol than 12 ounces of wine or hard liquor. When thirsty, always drink water — not alcoholic beverages.

EAt hEAlthy FooD

tip List the foods you will strive to eat more of (vegetables, whole grains, etc.) and the ones you will eat less of (snacks, desserts, etc.). Be as specific as possible. Post the list on your refrigerator.

GEt A BEttEr EDuCAtion

tip Apply for student aid. You may be surprised by what you qualify for. Go to www.FaFSa.ed.gov and complete a free ap-plication.

GEt A BEttEr JoB

tip Speak with your facility HR manager and direct supervisor(s) about positions that may be available with CCA.

GEt Fit

tip Begin by adding extra steps to your day. Park far away. Take the stairs whenever possible. Little changes can make a big dif-ference.

losE WEiGht

tip Eat off smaller plates. You will naturally serve yourself less food.

mAnAGE DEBt

tip Don’t wait until it’s too late to begin talking about your debts. If you miss a payment, contact your lender(s) immediately. The best defense is a good offense.

mAnAGE strEss

tip Stress causes tension in your body, which can then cause more stress. So take a deep breath and stretch your muscles.

Quit smokinG

tip Stay busy. Downtime can increase your desire to smoke. Also, spend free time in places where smoking isn’t allowed, such as the mall, movie theater, gym or library.

rEDuCE, rEusE AnD rECyClE

tip Switch to rechargeable batteries. In addition to reduc-ing the waste of disposable batteries, you will save money over time.

sAvE monEy

tip Develop a written budget. Write down everything you spend this month. Next month, use that as a guide to manage expenses and find savings.

tAkE A trip

tip While the Swiss Alps are nice, consider visiting the wonders America has to offer. A good, old-fashioned road trip may be just what you need to satisfy your restlessness. You can find great trip ideas at www.BestOftheroad.com.

voluntEEr to hElp othErs

tip Not sure where you’re needed? Go to www.Serve.gov to learn more about volunteer opportunities in your area.

18 insidecca.com

arIzOna

Nick J. Pastella has transferred to Sa-guaro Correctional Center as chief of security. Pastella joined CCA in 1997 as a correctional of-

ficer at Northeast Ohio Correctional Center, where he also served as senior correctional officer, assistant shift su-pervisor and shift supervisor. He was promoted to chief of security at La Palma Correctional Center. Before joining CCA, he worked for the Ma-honing County Sheriff’s Department, most recently as a deputy sheriff.

GEOrGIa

Glenn Rich has transferred to Cof-fee Correctional Facility as assistant warden, Operations. Rich joined CCA in 2009 as a case man-

ager at Wheeler Correctional Facility, where he also served as unit manager and assistant warden. Prior to joining CCA, he spent 32 years with the Geor-gia Department of Corrections, where he started as a correctional officer and retired as a warden. He served for 26 years in the U.S. Navy Reserve, retiring as a chief petty officer.

lOUISIana

Troy Pollock has been named assis-tant warden at Winn Correctional Center. Pollock brings 23 years of corrections

experience from the Kentucky De-partment of Corrections, where he started as a corrections officer and later served as Kentucky Correctional Industries production supervisor, op-erations manager and deputy warden before retiring.

nEW MExICO

Lawrence Wilmeth has been promoted to chief of security at Torrance County Detention Facility. Wilmeth joined CCA

in 2006 as a senior correctional offi-cer at North Fork Correctional Facil-ity, where he also served as assistant shift supervisor, shift supervisor, unit manager and captain. Before joining CCA, he spent three years with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Prior to that, he worked as a screening supervisor and trainer for the Depart-ment of Homeland Security. Wilmeth served for two and a half years in the U.S. Air Force, where he was a parares-cueman during the Vietnam War.

OKlaHOMa

Mark Gentry has been promoted to chief of unit man-agement at Davis Correctional Facility. Gentry joined CCA in 2004 as a correc-

tional officer at Cimarron Correctional Facility, where he was promoted to senior correctional officer. He became assistant shift supervisor at North Fork Correctional Facility, where he also served as shift supervisor. Prior to joining CCA, he worked for the Okla-homa County Sheriff’s Office.

tEnnESSEE

Michael Donahue has transferred to Hardeman County Correctional Center as warden. Donahue joined CCA in 2009 as an assistant war-

den at Florence Correctional Center and transferred to Red Rock Correc-tional Center in the same role. Before joining CCA, he worked for Connecti-

cut Department of Corrections, where he started as a correctional officer and held several management positions, including warden and lead warden. He retired after 23 years of service. Donahue holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from the University of New Haven and at-tended Mercer University School of Law.

tExaS

Paul B. Arguijo has transferred to Willacy State Jail as assistant warden. Arguijo joined CCA in 2003 as chief of security

at Willacy, where he was promoted to assistant warden. He transferred to Tallahatchie County Correctional Fa-cility as assistant warden and later be-came chief of security at Bartlett State Jail. Before joining CCA, he worked with the Texas Department of Crimi-nal Justice and retired after 20 years of service.

FaCIlItY SUPPOrt CEntEr

David K. Churchill has been named senior director, Or-ganizational De-velopment. Most recently, Churchill

was vice president, Talent & Organi-zational Development at Tractor Sup-ply Company. Prior to that, he worked as director, Talent and Organizational Development at Ingersoll Rand. He was also vice president, Leadership Development at Bank of America; se-nior manager, Leadership and Orga-nizational Development at LifeWay; manager, Global Learning and Orga-nizational Development at Seagate Technology; and manager, Organiza-tional Development at B.F. Goodrich.

Our People

19insidecca.com

Michelle Ryder has been promoted to director, Addictions Treatment. Ryder joined CCA in 2007 as assistant warden

at Marion County Jail II. Before joining CCA, she worked as executive director at Community Education Centers, Inc., and served as substance abuse case manager at Volunteers of America. She was also a criminal justice instruc-tor at Harrison College and an addic-tions treatment group facilitator at Alpha Resources, Inc. Ryder holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice/criminology from Indiana State Uni-versity and a master’s degree in man-

agement & leadership from Indiana Wesleyan University.

tranSCOr aMErICa

Curtiss Sullivan has been promoted to president and general manager of TransCor Amer-ica. Sullivan joined TransCor in 2004 as

managing director, Operations and was promoted to vice president and chief operating officer. Prior to join-ing TransCor, he spent 22 years in the U.S. Marine Corps. He has extensive experience in logistics and support

operations, and has managed many of CCA’s most complex mass transit moves of inmates. 

Michael Swinton has been promoted to vice president and chief operat-ing officer. Swinton joined CCA in 2007

as assistant warden at Stewart Deten-tion Center, where he was promoted to warden. Prior to joining CCA, he served for 23 years in the U.S. Marine Corps as a corrections specialist. He started as a correctional officer and promoted through the ranks, later serving as commanding officer of Ma-rine Base Brig, Camp Lejeune, N.C. n

Our People

Pressure to Buy? CCA’s new policy on solicitation

By John Diffenderfer and K. Danielle Edwards

last June, CCA’s Policy 3-29 went into effect. This policy provides guidance on when employees

can — and cannot — solicit or distrib-ute materials to other employees.

“Our desire is to create a community within the workplace where people can share interests and build rela-tionships,” explains Mark Floyd, CCA managing director, Employee Rela-tions. “This policy promotes balance between our responsibilities to safety to each other and to our inmates and the community.”

Instances of employee solicitation typically happen innocently. For ex-ample, an excited parent may bring catalogs for school fundraisers to work. Or someone who’s passionate about a particular cause may seek do-nations for a special non-profit cam-paign during work hours.

Contributors from the Legal, Human Resources, and Policy and Procedure departments worked together to develop the new policy, which cor-

responds with common business practices and policies. Examples of employee workplace sales activities that are now prohibited by Policy 3-29 may include:

• Sending solicitations on company e-mail

• Approaching employees to buy items while they’re working

• Inviting outside groups to the facil-ity to sell items for fundraisers

• Hosting local businesses or com-panies to pitch special products or promotions to staff

Employees, however, can promote items for sale to co-workers in non-work areas, such as break rooms and parking lots, during non-work time.

“Work time is when you’re supposed to be working,” Floyd says. “If you’re on paid lunch or a paid break, that is considered non-work time.”

Organizations exempt from this policy include CCA service providers, such

as Ward Financial Advisory or health plan companies that may make pre-sentations or hold information ses-sions for employees.

“Always ask,” advises Amy Garner, CCA director, Policy and Procedure. “If you have questions about the policy and need further clarification, please ask your HR manager or warden.” n

September 13, 2012, was a very special day for Sergio De Leon Rodriguez. It was the day he became a U.S. citizen.

For the security threat group (STG) coordinator at Marion County Jail II, that moment fulfilled many years of hopes, dreams and wishes. After being brought to the United States as a child from his native Mexico, Rodriguez, like many minor children who came to the states under similar circumstances, lived with some degree of concern about his future here.

“I came here with my parents a long time ago,” he explains. “We came to Texas and then moved north with family. Like all the other kids, I was just going to school, having fun and living life.”

Gaining his citizenship gave Rodriguez a new perspective — and a deeper identity as an Amer-ican. In recent times especially, it made him ap-preciate the privileges and rights of being a U.S. citizen.

“It was very important because I was able to vote in this last presidential election,” he says. “That let me know I could be heard, and my vote could count. Gaining my citizenship meant that some doors closed, while a lot of others opened. It took a big load off my back.”

Rodriguez, like many at CCA, didn’t specifically start his career with plans to work in a correc-

Our CCa Family

20 insidecca.com

CCA employees are the lifeblood of our company. They bring many talents, skills, experiences and perspectives to their jobs — and willingly share them with their CCA family. Each issue of InsideCCA spotlights one employee whose contributions to the company serve as a strong example of The CCA Way.

Meet Sergio De leon rodriguez STG coordinator, SORT member Marion County Jail II Indianapolis, Ind.

By K. Danielle Edwards

21insidecca.com

tional facility. He toured Marion County Jail II while he was a student at ITT Tech majoring in criminal jus-tice.

“I didn’t really know what my career plan was,” Rodriguez recalls. “I thought it was more of a job security degree. So I thought I would go to school first and see where that led me.”

During that tour, Rodriguez learned the facility was hiring. A faculty mem-ber at his school who used to work at Marion gave Rodriguez some in-sights into corrections and the many long-term career possibilities. So in March 2010, he officially joined the Marion staff, with his associate’s de-

gree in tow. Last August, he was pro-moted to STG coordinator.

“My wife was excited about it,” he says. “She knew it would be differ-ent, kind of cool. She couldn’t wait to hear stories. My parents were just telling me to be careful.”

In the two years Rodriguez has been with CCA, he’s joined SORT and even ventured out for special as-signments. He traveled to Lake Erie Correctional Institution in Ohio for its opening and also was on site at Adams County Correctional Center after the tragic May 2012 incident.

“I enjoy being on SORT — always being on our toes, giving training.

It’s interesting to see how different facilities work, and it’s always good to meet other people from CCA and learn from them. Even though it may appear we do the same things every day as corrections professionals, it’s always different.”

In his free time, Rodriguez enjoys an active lifestyle. In fact, if he’s not on post at work, you can probably find him sparring in a nearby boxing ring.

“I work out as much as I can,” he says. “I like to go to the boxing gym. I also like to go out and spend time with my wife. She’s my boss outside of work!”

A smart man, indeed. n

Managing Your Career Annual reviews provide opportunity for advancement By John Diffenderfer

the new year comes with new opportunities for career advancement. For many CCA facilities, January be-gins the 2013 cycle for employee reviews using CCA’s

Performance Management & Development System (PMDS).

For CCA employees, PMDS — equal parts system and pro-cess — serves as a foundation upon which they can build their careers. During performance reviews, all supervisors are required to meet one-on-one with staff. Together, they are expected to discuss the employee’s performance over the previous year. From there, they are to plot a course for development to prepare the employee for future promo-tions.

“The purpose is to create a dialogue about competencies specific to their job and create a mutual understanding of how the employee has done, and where he or she will im-prove in the future,” says Steve Kaiser, CCA managing direc-tor, Organizational Development and Training.

Future development is the goal of employee reviews at CCA. The system is designed for employees to take a proac-tive approach to their own careers. According to Kaiser, the main reason to look at the past year is to evaluate where you stand against the standard.

“We want employees to take their careers into their own hands,” says Kaiser. “Look at goals three to five years out. Discuss them with their supervisors. Set plans. Don’t just sit around and wait to be noticed.”

To get the most out of the PMDS ex-perience, Kaiser recommends that employees come prepared with a list that includes:

• Accomplishments

• Known areas for improvement

• Three- to five-year career goals

Formal PMDS reviews happen only once a year for each employee. Nev-ertheless, staff should regularly talk about their career goals with their supervisors. Professional develop-ment should be an ongoing dialog.

“Your career development should not be a one-time, annual event,” says Kaiser. “You should have a good feel for how your PMDS evaluation will look months before it actually happens because you have been regularly talking about your development and job performance.”

This year, as you go through the annual review process, take some time to prepare. Think about where you are and where you want to be. Begin to discuss your goals with your su-pervisor. Be open to feedback. Then, get ready to make the changes that will push you to the next level. n

22 insidecca.com

United in CourageCCA honors 2012 Courage Award recipients From CCA staff reports

Sacrifice. Honor. Loyalty.

That’s what CCA’s 2012 Courage Award recipients represent. Since 2010, the Courage Award has recognized staff who perform acts of extraordinary bravery to protect others, often at the risk of their own personal safety.

For the first time in Courage Award history, the company presented two awards posthumously. Honorees are:

the late Catlin Carithers, senior correctional officer at adams County Cor-rectional Center

We continue to remember Mr. Carithers, who died in May 2012 after suffering fatal injuries during an inmate disturbance at Adams.

the late alejandro Gomez, assistant shift supervisor at nevada Southern Detention Center

In April 2011, Mr. Gomez died in an effort to protect his wife and daughter-in-law from an out-of-control vehicle that nearly hit them. He was fatally struck by the vehicle while trying to save them.

Other employees honored for their heroic actions in the face of life-threatening situations are:

Shirley Brown, correctional officer at Wilkinson County Correctional Facility

In April of 2012, officer Brown was assaulted by one of the facility’s highest-custody offenders while escorting him to segregation. When the offender assaulted her and took keys from her, she refused to back down and regained the keys, helping manage the situation and maintain safety and security in the facility.

DeVondrick Hampton, correctional officer at la Palma Correctional Center

During an inmate disturbance at the facility in November 2011, officer Hampton held his ground and intervened when inmates assaulted one of his co-workers and then turned on him. 

James Yates, assistant warden at Davis Correctional Facility

Last March, assistant warden Yates diffused a facility hostage situation, risking his life to rescue the employee hostages. In doing so, he sustained a serious injury to one of his fingers.

Award recipients were recognized during the 2012 fourth-quarter town hall.

CCA Courage Award nominations are accepted year-round, and any employee may submit a nomination. For more information, contact your Human Resources manager. n

Together, we have built an online community that stands more than 10,000 strong. We are united at www.Facebook.com/CorrectionsCorp.

23insidecca.com

Puzzle courtesy of RangeNet.org

4 3 8 2 9

2 7 1

2

3

4 5 2 8

7

9

2 7 6

1 9 5 7 8 Contest WinnersCongratulations to our InsideCCA Contest winners from the November/December issue! We asked you to tell us, in 50 words or less, your career hopes for the new year. We’re pleased to send the following employees a fabulous InsideCCA hat, just in time for winter!

Edwina Hankins, correctional officer, West Tennessee Detention Facility

ryan lipphardt, correctional officer, La Palma Correctional Center 

Kelley Secrest, correctional officer, Northeast Ohio Correctional Center n

InsideCCA ContestWe want to hear from you! In 100 words or less, tell us about a previous New Year’s resolution you success-fully kept. Your success can inspire others.

Send your response and contact information to cca.communica-tions@cca.com by Feb. 15, 2012. We will then select the top entries to receive a CCA prize pack, featur-ing an InsideCCA hat and other great CCA gear. We may even publish your entries online or in a future issue of InsideCCA magazine.

suDoku

Stumped? Find the answers to this Sudoku on page 24.

The object of Sudoku is to fill in the numberless squares so every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9 only once.

Celebrating Our Journey as America’s Leader in

Partnership Corrections TM

From the Polls

We’re always interested in what you think about issues, both inside and outside the workplace. We asked you a few questions on

InsideCCa.com — below are some recent poll results.

Q

the Environmental Protection agency keeps close tabs on the actual mileage vehicles achieve to make sure consumers are getting what they pay for when they buy a car. What kind of mileage do you get?

<15 miles per gallon 9%

16-21 miles per gallon 33%

22-27 miles per gallon 19%

28-33 miles per gallon 27%

34-38 miles per gallon 6%

39+ miles per gallon 2%

I don’t know 4%

Q

Did you vote on Election Day?

I sent in an absentee ballot! 8%

I voted early! 23%

I voted on Election Day! 58%

I did not vote. 11%

24 insidecca.com

SUDOKU SOlUtIOn from page 23

4 3 7 8 6 1 5 2 9

6 8 2 7 5 9 4 3 1

5 1 9 4 2 3 7 8 6

8 5 1 9 7 4 2 6 3

9 6 4 5 3 2 8 1 7

7 2 3 1 8 6 9 5 4

3 7 5 6 9 8 1 4 2

2 4 8 3 1 7 6 9 5

1 9 6 2 4 5 3 7 8