Celebrating 30 Years of Service, Transformation, and Lifelong Learning

"To whom much is given, much will be required." – Luke 12:48

My journey began in the heart of Detroit, Michigan, where the odds were stacked against me. Growing up in an environment where so many young Black men fell through the cracks, I could have easily become another statistic. But in 1982, my mother made a courageous decision—moving my sister and me to the metropolis of Bellaire, Ohio. That move not only altered my trajectory but also set the foundation for my purpose and calling.

In one of my favorite books, The Alchemist, the character Santiago embarked on a journey of discovery, not knowing exactly where it would lead but trusting that my purpose would reveal itself along the way. The transition from Detroit to Bellaire was filled with lessons in resilience, faith, and determination—lessons that became the guiding compass throughout my career. On this day, February 18, 1995, I stepped into the world of corrections as a young professional eager to learn. What I found was a system that mirrored both the struggles and opportunities I had faced in my own life. Statistically speaking, I could have been on the other side of that system. Instead, I found a calling—a purpose that demanded bold leadership, a commitment to justice, and the relentless pursuit of rehabilitation and redemption.

The Roadmap of Leadership

One of my favorite authors on leadership development, John Maxwell's Five Levels of Leadership, became the framework that shaped my evolution from a researcher to President of the Correctional Leaders Association. Each level reflected a pivotal chapter in my journey:

• Position Level: Leadership is not about a title; it is about responsibility. Early on, I immersed myself in understanding the correctional system, working in data analysis, programming services, and classification.
• Permission Level: Influence is built through relationships. As a Warden and later a Regional Director, I focused on human connections—valuing the voices of staff, stakeholders, and incarcerated individuals alike.
• Production Level: I became a changemaker. Visions such as Illinois'?Journey to Excellence, Reentry 2030, and TRANSFORM Nebraska were not just programs and policies; they were pathways of hope, breaking cycles and fostering goodwill for the betterment of mankind.
• People Development Level: Leadership is about lifting others. As Director of the Illinois and Nebraska Departments of Correctional Services, I dedicated myself to mentoring and shaping the next generation of criminal justice professionals.
• Pinnacle Level: The highest level of leadership is about legacy. As President of the Correctional Leaders Association, I am committed to influencing the future—not for personal accolades but for the betterment of our communities and the field of corrections. The challenge remains: shaping a system where justice, dignity, and opportunity coexist. Challenge accepted.

?The Pillars of Strength

No leader stands alone, and I owe my success to the extraordinary women who built the foundation beneath me. My mother, whose tenacity taught me resilience, also gave me strength and, in many ways, saved my life. Her unwavering determination became my guiding force, shaping the man and leader I am today.

My 103-year-old grandmother, a phenomenal woman who raised her family with love and strength, instilled in me the compassion that defines my leadership. She led by example, showing me the power of unconditional love and sacrifice. Thank you

My Aunt Bobbie Kay, may she rest in peace, provided the spiritual guidance that kept my faith unwavering. Her wisdom and devotion introduced me to the scripture Luke 12:48—"To whom much is given, much will be required." These words have become my moral and spiritual compass, aligning perfectly with my Alchemist journey and purpose. I carry them with me in every decision, every challenge, and every opportunity to serve. Thank you

My Aunt Pam’s belief in me never wavered. She always reminded me how proud she was of me because she understood my journey better than most. Her constant encouragement and faith in my abilities reinforced my confidence when I needed it most. Thank you

These women shaped me as a son, nephew, friend, father, and leader. They reminded me that leadership is service and that every person we encounter deserves to be treated as the most important person in the world at that moment. Their love, guidance, and belief in me continue to fuel my purpose, and for that, I am forever grateful.

A Legacy of Transformation

Three decades later, I am still evolving—still learning, still growing, still pushing boundaries. My journey has been one of transformation, not just for myself but for the lives I have had the privilege to touch.

Today, I stand not just as a correctional Alchemist but as someone who has dared to be bold, to challenge the status quo, and to embrace innovation in the pursuit of justice. The road ahead is still unfolding, but one truth remains unshaken:

"To whom much is given, much will be required."

And for as long as I am called to serve, I will always be ready to answer.