2022 Diversity in Leadership Award Recipient: Morris L. LaGrand
Morris, affectionately known as “Mo” started his career at GEO as a Detention Officer 16 years ago. Prior to GEO, Mo retired from the United States Army after achieving the highest enlisted rank of Sergeant Major (E-9), a decorated and distinguished service of 30 years to our country. Mo embodies the true meaning of leadership by influencing others to achieve the common goal. Mo performs with a sense of purpose and direction. Ever vigilant to the goals, visions, and direction of the Company. Mo has a go-getter attitude that is infectious to other staff and residents.
With great personal conviction, Mo continues his path outside of work by being a community pillar. Mo is a critical contributor and manager of the Community Food Bank for his local church. Through his guiding support and dedication, the food bank serves approximately 450 families during Thanksgiving and 350 people during Christmas. Mo also focuses time on the Vision Center, a faith-based community agency which partners with the Tacoma Department of Social and Human Services to transport and supervise court ordered parent/child visitations. As a senior leader with his local church, Mo serves as the financial manager for the partnership program. Mo also sponsors a youth summer program with the Vision Center for teens that teams up with local volunteers who teach and mentor youth preparing them as tomorrow’s adults.
During his time with GEO, Mo continued his personal growth earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Leadership graduating Cum Laude and a Master Degree in Christian Ministry graduating Summa Cum Laude. Morris LaGrands's legacy has expanded, by touching all he interacts with. His unique style of supporting, advising, teaching, mentoring, and leading by example is just phenomenal.
2022 Diversity in Leadership Award Recipient: Patrick Kennedy
Patrick has held several leaderships roles during his 10 year career with GEO and has exceeded expectations in each of them. Patrick has willingly taken on difficult projects like facility sanitation and facility searches and seizures for contraband. Because of his knowledge and familiarity of the facility’s physical plant layout he has brought continual insight and awareness to the areas used by residents to conceal and/or solicit contraband that would have otherwise gone unknown to staff.
Patrick is a visible presence in his community as an active member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. He is involved in service projects which include feeding the homeless, big brother programs, voter registration, and college enrollment drives to name a few. Patrick coaches a youth football organization where he spends time weekly serving as a role model to under privileged youth. He also serves his church as a Deacon and ministry leader where he provides spiritual guidance to several men and youth under his leadership. Through his church he speaks to local men’s shelters, aids nursing homes, feeds and provides clothing to the homeless and helps elder members complete small tasks in their homes.
Patrick’s presence brings positive energy when he walks around the facility. He engages with everyone, including residents, staff, and visitors. As such, his professional demeanor has gained him respect on all levels. He always provides suggestions to build morale and engage staff and residents alike. Patrick takes pride in what he does and encourages others to not settle for the minimum, but to give 100% and be a leader even when that person is not in a leadership role.
