Federal Bureau of Prisons

Myrl E. Alexander Award

The Myrl E. Alexander Award recognizes an employee(s) who, through personal initiative, has been instrumental in the development of new techniques in correctional programs or who has succeeded exceptionally well in the implementation of new and innovative procedures.

Award Recipient(s): Chad Webb
Facility: USP Big Sandy

Chad Webb, Supervisor of Education, has integrated on-site college educational programming by providing access to college courses as part of the First Step Act (FSA) Program. In August of 2022, USP Big Sandy partnered with Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC). College professors, using the BSCTC program curricula, taught at the USP and the adults in custody (AIC) were able to complete necessary coursework to acquire their associate degree. Using this model, there were twenty-two (22) AICs who completed courses within the Fall Semester of 2022, with one individual earning an associate degree. There are very few penitentiaries offering college courses where the professor comes into the facility to instruct.

Under Mr. Webb's guidance and direction, the USP Big Sandy Education Department also hosts several Vocational Training and Apprenticeship Programs, including Verma composting and "Worm Farming," which teaches adults in custody to farm worms to fertilize gardens or plants. They also offer Teacher's Aide, Recreation Aide, Plumbing, HVAC, Electrician, Peer Counselor, and Religious Service Assistant. Each of the Apprenticeship Programs are certified through the Department of Labor and have completion rates that exceed ninety percent. Mr. Webb has collaborated with other departments to facilitate programming for the individuals housed at the Camp so they may acquire their driver's license and/or commercial driver's license.

For his forward thinking and exemplary work in designing and implementing innovative programming in the areas of Education, Recreation, Vocation, and Re-entry, Chad Webb is the 2022 recipient of the Myrl E. Alexander Award.

Norman A. Carlson Award

The Norman A. Carlson Award recognizes an employee who has shown excellence in leadership and who has demonstrated the highest personal and professional standards.

Award Recipient(s): Jose Nuñez
Facility: FDC Honolulu

Captain Jose Nuñez has led FDC Honolulu employees through institution emergencies and disturbances, adverse weather conditions, civil protests, national lockdowns, and the COVID-19 pandemic. In July 2022, Mr. Nuñez led various strike teams to assist in addressing security and inmate management concerns at the Federal Correctional Institution Sheridan, Oregon. In October 2022, Mr. Nuñez was selected to be a team leader representing the FBOP as an integral part of the U. S. Customs and Border Patrol’s Operation Border Management efforts. During his three-week deployment, he assisted with the management and accountability of personnel, execution of mission objectives, reporting, and transportation logistics. His professionalism, knowledge, and experience coupled with his ability to translate and communicate with Spanish-speaking persons, resulted in the overall efficiency and success of this operation.

Captain Nuñez personifies excellence in leadership. For his dedication to duty, as well as his commitment to the needs of the FBOP, Jose Nuñez is the recipient of the 2022 Norman A. Carlson Award.

J. Michael Quinlan Award

The J. Michael Quinlan Award recognizes an employee who has elevated the Bureau as an organization by taking active steps toward enhancing the quality of employee work life, supporting agency core values, or promoting the concept of "Bureau Family."

Award Recipient(s): Dr. Tiffiny McCain
Facility: USP Atwater

On December 28, 2021, while serving at USP Atwater, Associate Warden (AW) Jeffrey Rex became unresponsive due to a medical emergency. Associate Warden Rex remained at the hospital for several days until his passing. At the time of the medical emergency, Dr. Tiffiny McCain, Drug Abuse Program Coordinator, was also the newly appointed Crisis Support Team Leader. The team was activated by the Warden and Dr. McCain's strong leadership during a time of crisis created an environment that truly promoted the concept of "Bureau Family." Dr. McCain made rounds throughout the institution checking on employee wellbeing throughout all shifts. She also visited AW Rex' family regularly and served as a liaison between the family and the institution to assist in meeting the family's needs. Dr. McCain's team provided AW Rex' family meals and a direct line of communication with the Human Resource Department and the Warden's Office. On January 3, 2022, upon the passing of AW Rex, Dr. McCain continued her selfless efforts and absolute dedication to assist USP Atwater and AW Rex's family during this very somber time. Well into 2022, Dr. McCain continued to provide comfort to the USP Atwater employees and Associate Warden Rex' family.

For her diligence and extraordinary efforts in support of her fellow coworkers, and her embodiment of the "Bureau Family" philosophy, Dr. McCain is the 2022 recipient of the J. Michael Quinlan Award.

Kathleen Hawk Sawyer Award

The Kathleen Hawk Sawyer Award recognizes an employee who demonstrates high standards of public service by stimulating progress in the Bureau of Prisons (at the department, institution or agency level) while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and upholding the organization's other core values/cultural anchors, mission, or vision.

Award Recipient(s): LCDR Trey Draude
Facility: FCC Butner

Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Trey Draude serves as a clinical pharmacist at FCC Butner and is responsible for management of complex patient care for incarcerated persons with opioid use disorder (OUD), mental health concerns, HIV, and other chronic disease states.

LCDR Draude is the primary author for the FBOP's Clinical Guidance on Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder and he is viewed as the national pharmacy subject matter expert for medications for OUD. He developed and presented a six-hour MAT certificate curriculum that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy, and trained approximately 90 pharmacists at the 2022 National FBOP Pharmacy Residential Training Program.

For his leadership, innovation, and passion to treat opioid use disorder and improve pharmacy services and patient care throughout the agency, LCDR Trey Draude is the recipient of this 2022 Kathleen Hawk Sawyer Award.

Harley G. Lappin Award

The Harley G. Lappin Award recognizes an employee who exemplifies the highest level of resilience in the performance of duties, and tenacity in commitment to the Bureau of Prisons' most critical goals; reentry and skills-building programs for offenders. Committed to cost reduction and operational efficiency, the employee operates in a humble, optimistic, supportive and authentic manner; guided by heart, passion, and compassion.

Award Recipient(s): Jennifer Braye (FCI Greenville), Anne Cummins (Central Office) and Ed Weaver (Central Office)

Upon learning of an upcoming job fair, FCI Greenville Reentry Affairs Coordinator (RAC) Jennifer Braye utilized the network of resources she had developed to connect women in custody, who were seeking future employment, with resources to acquire appropriate professional clothing to attend interviews. She embraced this initiative, working closely with the Executive Staff at both FCI Greenville and FCI Pekin to ensure the women selected to participate were appropriately screened and properly prepared. In the absence of a RAC at FCI Pekin, Ms. Braye willingly extended her assistance, assuming an active role in coordinating activities for both institutions. As a result, fourteen women in FBOP custody were able to participate in a community job fair for the first time.

While developing this initiative, Ms. Braye connected with Ed Weaver, Public Affairs Specialist, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs and Anne Cummins, National Policy and Program Coordinator, Women and Special Populations Branch in planning the event and conducting interviews with the participants. Their collaboration resulted in a four-part video series shared on the agency's public website that focused on the community Job Fair participants, the Residential Drug Abuse Treatment Program (RDAP), Education, Certification and Programming, and the Women and Special Populations Branch.

This initiative and the resulting video series showcases the innovative and forward thinking of these employees. For their significant contributions to reentry and professionalism, Jennifer Braye, Anne Cummins and Ed Weaver are the 2022 recipients of the Harley G. Lappin Award.

Charles E. Samuels, Jr. Award

The Charles E. Samuels, Jr. Award recognizes an employee who furthers the mission of the agency by demonstrating extraordinary commitment to developing and maintaining productive working relationships among staff through partnerships with labor and management, encouraging diversity and inclusion, and promoting respect and compassion for all.

Award Recipient(s): Cameron Ellison
Facility: FCI Edgefield

When the Affirmative Employment Program (AEP) Chairperson position was vacated in January 2022, Supervisor of Education Cameron Ellison assumed the all-encompassing duties of the Chairperson through August of 2022. Mr. Ellison ensured the AEP continued without interruption and increased employee involvement in the process. He coordinated the 2022 FCI Edgefield Diversity Day, setting an example for other leaders to follow. Mr. Ellison is heavily involved in coordinating community events for Special Emphasis Groups and has chaired Community Relations Boards events. Due to his longstanding involvement with community organizations and being specifically requested when planning events, his presence alone is an advertising tool. His numerous community relationships have proven to be a great asset in the institution's recruiting efforts. Mr. Ellison is the AEP Co-chairperson, the Diversity Instructor, the institution's First Step Act point of contact, a mentor, and a training coach, amongst numerous other informal roles that support FCI Edgefield's mission.

Mr. Ellison has proven to be an invaluable asset to FCI Edgefield and represents the true pride of the Southeast Region and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. For these reasons and more, Cameron Ellison is the 2022 recipient of the Charles E. Samuels, Jr. Award.

Kathleen Hawk Sawyer Award

The Kathleen Hawk Sawyer Award recognizes an employee who demonstrates high standards of public service by stimulating progress in the Bureau of Prisons (at the department, institution or agency level) while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and upholding the organization’s other core values/cultural anchors, mission, or vision.

Award Recipient(s): Brandon Burkett
Facility: USP Atlanta

Since his arrival to USP Atlanta in January of 2022, Jail Administrator Brandon Burkett has made extraordinary achievements by improving the conditions of confinement for adults in the Detention Center. Specifically, he worked countless hours to improve overall sanitation. He identified problems with the availability of hygiene supplies and coordinated with the appropriate departments to both increase supply and provide instructions for proper use. Mr. Burkett coordinated with the Facilities Department and Trust Fund Department to increase the number of phones from three to six per unit which has alleviated long lines and frustrations for the adults housed in the Detention Center.

Mr. Burkett developed procedures to streamline communication with attorneys by dedicating an employee to process all requests for legal calls and visits. Additionally, he coordinated with multiple departments and the Georgia Federal Public Defenders Office to designate a phone in the Pre-Trial Housing Unit that has direct communication with the Public Defender's Office, thus allowing adults in custody open access to their attorneys at any time. He also amended the legal visiting schedule to allow attorneys unlimited access to see their clients. Another accomplishment to note was the establishment of a video teleconferencing system in the Pre-trial Housing Unit to allow attorneys to visit with clients virtually. It also provides the courts the ability to conduct virtual hearings with minimal employee involvement.

For his leadership, innovation, and excellence in management, Brandon Burkett is the recipient of this 2022 Kathleen Hawk Sawyer Award.

Michael D. Carvajal Award

This award recognizes an employee who consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to public service, and who values the importance of improving employee competencies and skills through the delivery of training within the agency. This recipient personifies the phrase "the speed of the leader is the speed of the team" in their daily interactions. Additionally, the recipient effectuates change by proposing and seeking to implement new training initiatives, local leadership programs, or is recognized by staff as being a formal or informal mentor who positively impacts the morale of their facility.

Award Recipient(s): Lisa Bly
Facility: FCI Gilmer

Employee Development Manager Lisa Bly is passionate about Employee Development and the employees at FCI Gilmer. Mrs. Bly identified a need for additional training programs and techniques within both the institution and the agency due to changes in state and federal law. In partnership with the Department of Transportation, she established FCI Gilmer as a certified training area for Commercial Driver License attainment by obtaining the necessary certifications to begin training other employees at FCI Gilmer. The initial training took place in November of 2022, resulting in six institution employees completing the instructional part of the program. Once road training is complete, these six employees will be eligible to test for their passenger endorsements for the Commercial Drivers' License program at FCI Gilmer. She has shared this process with Employee Development Managers in the Mid-Atlantic Region to make them aware of the necessary procedures and to assist the other institutions in also becoming certified training locations.

Mrs. Bly also reviewed the current staffing levels at FCI Gilmer and saw a need in the Food Service Department. She identified changes to the qualifications for a Cook Foreman and the added requirement of a current ServSafe certification. The lack of certification had created a barrier in filling positions at FCI Gilmer as well as across the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Through her leadership and foresight, she ordered 16 ServSafe training manuals and FCI Gilmer employees who had Food Service experience in other venues, but did not have the ServSafe certification, began the training. These additional certified employees will give FCI Gilmer, and the agency, access to more viable candidates for positions in the Food Service Department.

For her outstanding efforts to support the advancement of Employee Development, Lisa Bly is the 2022 recipient of the Michael D. Carvajal Award.

Director's Special Recognition Award

This award recognizes any contribution that has a significant impact on any program or operational area within the Bureau. The impact on the Bureau may be at the local, regional, or national level.

Award Recipient(s): Rick Stover, Susan Giddings, Andy Black, Crista Colvin

As Administrator of the Correctional Programs Branch, Rick Stover played an instrumental role in incorporating the First Step Act Time Credits into Federal Bureau of Prisons policy, procedures, and programs and served as the subject matter expert on case management. Along with his team: Susan Giddings, Chief, Unit Management Section, CPD; Andy Black, Chief Systems Development Branch, ITDD; and Crista Colvin, Associate General Counsel, OGC; Mr. Stover worked diligently to implement the First Step Act Time Credits auto-calculation. Additionally, the team has spearheaded efforts to finalize national Memorandum of Understandings and Inter-agency Agreements with the U.S. Marshals Service and the D.C. Corrections Information Council (CIC).

For their diligence and extraordinary efforts in providing support and guidance within the Correctional Programs Division, these individuals are recognized as 2022 recipients of a Director's Special Recognition Award.

Award Recipient(s): Jaynell Hutchinson
Facility: FCI McKean

Warden Jaynell Hutchinson arrived at FCI McKean in January 2022 with a clear vision, a firm grasp on what success looks like, and how to achieve it. Warden Hutchinson faced significant challenges in filling positions at the institution executive level. She clearly assessed all departmental areas of the institution, communicated the vision and goals of her administration, facilitated a plan to develop young department heads and supported those plans through training and mentorship of all bargaining unit employees.

As Warden, she supported the exponential growth of FCI McKean's First Step Act program offerings to include a Barista Program, Building Trades, and a certified CDL Program. She also developed and initiated a new Lumber Grade certification program and Barbering Program for the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP). She wrote and submitted a crediting plan through Grand Prairie and the Office of Personnel Management for a Vocational Instructor/Dog Trainer, which was approved and filled at FCI McKean, a first for the FBOP.

Warden Jaynell Hutchinson is an authentic, responsive, dependable, and tenacious leader and is recognized as a 2022 recipient of a Director's Special Recognition Award.

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New Warden of the Year Award

This award recognizes a newly appointed Warden who has served one year or less in their position. Candidates for this honor are evaluated on their ability to effectively manage a correctional facility by providing a safe and secure environment for staff and inmates.

Award Recipient(s): Gary Swaney
Facility: FCI Manchester

On December 24, 2022, FCI Manchester suffered a catastrophic loss of power, which was exacerbated by freezing temperatures. Warden Gary Swaney displayed extraordinary leadership by implementing a plan of action to ensure a safe environment for employees and the adults in custody (AICs). He ordered additional generators to provide heat and instructed his employees to conduct temperature checks in each housing unit ensuring appropriate temperatures were maintained. He made daily rounds to keep the AICs abreast of the situation, answering their questions regarding the outage. His plan provided the AICs time to shower and receive inside recreation operating on limited power. His optimistic perspective during this catastrophic power outage, was both empowering and encouraging and contributed to an expedited and thorough conclusion.

Additionally, Warden Swaney evaluated current program offerings and determined additional measures to assist the AICs at FCI Manchester in taking full advantage of the opportunity to earn creditable Good Conduct Time (GCT) through the First Step Act. He expanded course offerings such as skill building, education, recreation self-study, and vocation programs.

For his exemplary leadership and commitment to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Warden Gary Swaney is the 2022 recipient of the New Warden of the Year Award.

Excellence in Prison Management

This award recognizes outstanding contributions by a Warden in the overall management of staff, inmates, and general operations. Wardens will be evaluated on the effectiveness and efficiency of programs in their institutions through innovative ideas, vigorous and industrious efforts, and their serving as an exemplary role model to other staff.

Award Recipient(s): Sylvester Jenkins
Facility: USP Atlanta

Warden Sylvester Jenkins has elevated the organizational climate, enhanced the operational effectiveness, and boosted collaborative partnerships with community members and outside stakeholders at USP Atlanta since his arrival. Warden Jenkins renovated employee work areas, including the Training Center, lounge, and office spaces, creating a communal atmosphere. While Atlanta was under intense stakeholder scrutiny, Warden Jenkins established positive dialogue with the Union, rebuilt relationships with law enforcement agencies, and hosted state legislators, executive level employees of the US Marshals Service, a Chief District Court Judge, employees of the Federal Public Defender's Office, US Senators, and our agency's Director.

Warden Jenkins applied a dynamic training program focused on short- and long-term security outcomes. The multifaceted program is founded on a "topic of the week" regimen. Daily training providing repetition of a topic across all shifts, each day, ensures knowledge saturation. In 2022, Warden Jenkins facilitated two correctional services training retreats providing sixteen hours of instruction, conducted six Major Mock Exercises-200% above the agency standard-and was a national instructor for the Correctional Training Officer Program and Principles of Leadership I and II.

For his exemplary leadership and outstanding contributions to the overall management of employees and adults in custody, Warden Sylvester Jenkins is the 2022 recipient of the Excellence in Prison Management Award.