Author: Jerry Higgins
For the second straight year, Community Corrections Director Tracy Lee recently brought his statewide district managers to Raleigh for a leadership workshop. And, for the second straight year, Lee was very pleased with what he saw and heard from staff.
“We were able to afford them information about their accomplishments for the past year and our goals moving forward,” Lee said. “Top-level management had the opportunity to fellowship. It was important for them to know they weren’t the only ones dealing with certain issues and they could support one another.”
Nearly 100 administrators, managers and staff members spent two days learning about pilot programs in mental health and special operations, as well as receiving updates about initiatives and units across Community Corrections and Adult Corrections. Along with breakout sessions on training, the Community Corrections staff received words of encouragement and appreciation from Secretary Erik Hooks and Interim Chief Deputy Secretary Reuben Young.
“We are called to a perfect mission,” Sec. Hooks told the staff. “We strive for rehabilitation. We strive for excellence. Administer your duties with passion.”
Young praised Lee and Deputy Directors Chris Oxendine and Maggie Brewer for their leadership. He also stressed the importance of the impact Community Corrections has on society.
“We are in the business of managing people who are behind the walls, are released from prison or ones we supervise,” Young said. “We all have different managing styles, but what’s important how we turn out people at the end of the day. It’s important you get the support you need.
“People need to know you have their backs. People need to have confidence in you. Managing people doesn’t mean clubbing them over the head when they make a mistake. All of us have fallen short. Everyone is worth the effort.”
Lee said plans are now underway for next year’s training session. He was impressed with the presentations and understands the important of in-service training and gatherings like this.
“I want all of my people to be proud of us,” Lee said. “I do not want to disappoint them. They are making a difference in the community.”