CCA Names Nationwide Employee of the Year
Within Corrections Corporation of America’s (CCA) national work force of nearly 17,000, one employee’s dedication and professionalism have so far exceeded the call of duty that she’s been selected as the company’s “Employee of the Year.”
Louisa Evenson, a correctional counselor at CCA’s Central Arizona Detention Center (CADC) in Florence, Ariz., was named the 2008 “Employee of the Year” in December.
“In my 35 years in corrections, I can think of maybe only 15 folks who rise to her level,” said CADC assistant warden Gilberto Carmona, who nominated Evenson.
Evenson joined CCA as a correctional officer in July 2001 and later worked in the transportation department at the facility, where she served as officer in charge on many transports. In 2006, she received a letter of commendation from United States Marshal David Gonzales for her involvement in transporting more than 400 inmates during three airlifts and four court transports. Evenson also serves on the facility event planning committee, mentors new officers and was promoted to correctional counselor in November 2007.
And thanks to quick thinking and decisive action, Evenson has been able to preserve safety and security for fellow staffers.
“Lots of people have different opinions about corrections, but there’s one thing everyone aggress on: They want to be able to walk through that gate, do their job and go home,” Evenson said. “That is my goal each day – making sure everyone gets home to their families and loved ones.”
Each of CCA’s more than 60 facilities honors an employee of the year, all of whom vie for the title on a companywide level. The more than 500 employees at Central Arizona Detention Center and the other more than 1,500 employees at five other CCA facilities in the state (Eloy Detention Center, Florence Correctional Center, La Palma Correctional Center, Red Rock Correctional Center and Saguaro Correctional Center) are all responsible for maintaining safe and secure operations each day. But Employees of the Year are known for their special accomplishments.
“Each nomination we received chronicled the acts of our professionals who have saved the lives or reduced the risks to others, played leadership roles in community activities to assist those less fortunate or have saved their facilities and CCA significant resources,” said Gary Mohr, former CCA managing director, Organizational Development, Staffing and Training, who chaired the Employee of the Year Committee.
About CCA
CCA is the founder and industry leader of the private corrections management industry, representing the nation’s fourth-largest corrections system, behind the federal government and two states. CCA currently operates 64 facilities, including 42 that are company-owned, with a total design capacity of approximately 82,000 beds in 19 states and the District of Columbia, with more than 17,000 employees who provide comprehensive educational, vocational, therapeutic and addictions treatment programs intended to prepare inmates for successful re-integration with society.
About Central Arizona Detention Center
Central Arizona Detention Center is a 2,304-bed, multi-level male facility owned and operated by CCA since 1994. The facility provides housing and services to detainees for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the United States Marshals Service.
