Ms. Bailey Cook has been an integral part of Florence West Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility (FWCRF) since beginning her role as a Receptionist in 2017. She has steadily advanced through the ranks, becoming an Officer in December 2018, a Case Manager in February 2021, and a Compliance Administrator in November 2022. Ms. Cook is dedicated to ensuring the facility adheres to GEO and Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry policies and procedures.

Her transition into the Compliance Administrator position was seamless, and she excels in keeping the facility current with annual training, contracts, and policies. She introduced an innovative system for other Arizona Compliance Administrators to manage paperwork and reports  that are essential for annual audits.

Ms. Cook is well-versed in her role within the team at FWCRF and is always open to discussing various ideas and opinions. She maintains a respectful demeanor, even when faced with differing viewpoints. Her positive attitude is unwavering, even during challenging times, and she remains committed to the organization's goals.

Her commitment to FWCRF's  success is evident in her daily work. The tangible results of her efforts speak volumes. Ms. Cook is not only dedicated to making the administration staff's jobs easier but also to enhancing the work of line staff. She took on the responsibility of training a new Compliance Administrator for the Central Arizona Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility while still ensuring follow-up with staff at Florence West through face-to-face meetings.

Ms. Cook is professional in all her interactions, showing respect and admiration within her work environment. She is consistent, always on task, and arrives at work each day with a positive attitude. Her willingness to assist others is widely recognized.

Outside of work, Ms. Cook enjoys spending quality time with her two beloved dogs, Milo and Murphy. She also has a passion for crafting and creative DIY projects. Congratulations on being selected as the Employee of the Year!

Mechelle Siles, the Supervising Case Manager at the Pomona Day Reporting Center (DRC), has been an integral part of GEO for nearly a decade. The Pomona DRC operates under a contract with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), providing parolees with critical resources and support to reduce recidivism rates and thereby promote a seamless transition into their respective communities.

Mechelle Siles has proven to be an invaluable asset to the Pomona DRC, leveraging her extensive knowledge and experience gained over 26 years in the social services field. Her contributions have significantly influenced various initiatives while creating a positive work environment. Under her leadership, the DRC has successfully implemented gender-responsive programs, including the establishment of women's groups and gender-specific Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) sessions.

Drawing upon more than 23 years of management experience, Mechelle has developed robust quality assurance tools to ensure case managers are held accountable for their workload and professional development. Her commitment extends beyond internal operations to building robust community connections. She played a critical role in establishing the Pomona Valley Reentry Coalition and enabling the seamless reintegration of participants. Furthermore, Mechelle fostered strategic partnerships with organizations like Tri-City Mental Health and The Reintegration Academy, providing participants with  comprehensive mental health services and life skills training.

Mechelle actively fosters collaboration among staff members, particularly case managers, within the DRC. She introduced innovative approaches, such as monthly forums and one-on-one discussions, to identify areas for improvement and promote positive outcomes. Mechelle's coaching extends to equipping assistant case managers with practical strategies for handling challenging interactions and conflict resolution.

Mechelle's positive attitude and teamwork skills have significantly contributed to fostering a highly positive morale within the office. She established the "Cheers for Peers" recognition program, encouraging staff members to appreciate and support one another. Mechelle consistently coaches and supports employees, helping them enhance their performance and time management skills. She actively seeks feedback from staff to improve program operations and has undergone training to handle specific program manager tasks.

Mechelle's exceptional communication skills are evident in her interactions with staff, parole officers, and participants. She excels at conveying clear expectations and fostering constructive conversations.

Mechelle's multifaceted contributions have been instrumental in driving the success of the Pomona DRC. Her leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence have not only enhanced internal operations but also fostered strong community partnerships. Mechelle's positive influence extends to staff development, morale, and effective communication, creating a collaborative and supportive environment that benefits employees and participants. Her dedication and professionalism make her a truly invaluable asset to the organization.

Charles Johnson served in the U.S. Navy from 1984 to 1997. He began his correctional career as a Correctional Officer in 2007 at MTC Arizona State Prison.  His career has since expanded to GEO where he is currently a Correctional officer at the Kingman Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility (KCRF). He also serves as the unofficial Chaplain for the Facility’s Tactical Unit. 

Mr. Johnson is a Complex Officer for KCRF and oversees the highly active Arizona Corrections Industries program, which employs 30 inmates who fabricate vehicle trailers. His responsibilities include managing tools, chemical, and a bustling factory operation, and he has been recognized by the client, the Arizona Department of Cocrrections Rehabilitation, and Reentry (ADCRR) for setting an exemplary standard for all security staff across the state.

Mr. Johnson also provides oversight for inmates working on special projects in the Facility’s wastewater treatment plant, which is a crucial role, as it ensures the Facility meets the expectations and standards of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. He also plays an important role in coordinating transportation for inmate medical appointments.

Before becoming a Complex Officer, Mr. Johnson was a Traffic Control Officer, responsible for screening all staff, vendors, and visitors entering the Facility. His positive and energetic personality, along with his signature greeting of “you are awesome!” were widely appreciated.

Mr. Johnson is always ready to take on any assignment. His strong work ethic and genuine desire to exceed expectations have been instrumental in helping KCRF meet or surpass the highest standards of service for GEO and the ADCRR.

In 2023, Mr. Johnson volunteered to serve on temporary duty at GEO’s Lea County Correctional Facility in New Mexico. During a routine security check, Mr. Johnson was involved in an inmate on staff altercation. He sustained minor injuries from the incident and was treated at the local hospital per GEO protocol. Mr. Johnson gives credit to the self-defense training he received at KCRF for giving him the skills and knowledge to mitigate and manage the incident and come away from it only lightly scathed. His degree of professionalism and effectiveness is demonstrative of the operational excellence that GEO strives for.

You can always count on Charles to say “God bless you and have a blessed day!” He is a cherished member of the KCRF family. Congratulations on being selected as the Correctional Officer of the Year!

Sid Lafleur excels in planning, organizing, and executing transportation operations for GTI, both on the ground and in the air. As a transportation officer stationed at the Pine Prairie ICE Processing Center, Mr. Lafleur  quickly established himself as a leader and an exemplary employee, trusted by the Transportation Manager to go above and beyond. His leadership journey began when he volunteered for a train the trainer course for GTI Driver Trainers. In this role, Mr. Lafleur not only trained new drivers to meet GTI standards but also prepared them for DOT commercial driver's license examinations. The training Mr. Lafleur provided is a mandatory qualification regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration before drivers can take the commercial driver's license test.

As a driving instructor, Mr. Lafleur tested and certified Transportation Officers yearly. He worked with the Transportation Manager to ensure all missions were safe and followed DOT rules. His strong leadership was essential, especially when moving people between Alexandria and ICE Air Operations.

In July 2023, Mr. Lafleur showed even more dedication by volunteering for a new Air Operations role. He helped set up the GTI Air Operation in Alexandria, Louisiana, where he became a team and flight leader. He used his experience in ground transportation and his training from Folkston, Georgia, to lead missions and teach new team members about Air Operations.

Mr. Lafleur was responsible for assigning duties and overseeing the performance of his team of Flight Security Guards, who transported between 120 to 130 individuals per flight domestically and internationally. He managed to accomplish this while navigating the ever-changing demands of routing, scheduling, and mission changes at all hours of the night, day, and weekend. Mr. Lafleur ensured that his team covered every mission, regardless of the notification timeline, demonstrating his can-do attitude.

Since then, Mr. Lafleur has been promoted to Flight Supervisor in GTI Air Operations at the Alexandria Hub, where he continues to excel and thrive.

Mr. Lafleur is committed to upholding the highest standards of safety, compliance, and professionalism in all aspects of his work. He works tirelessly to ensure all Client requests are met and he maintains a rapport with clients that represents GEO’s commitment to excellence.

Without doubt,  the most important role Mr. Lafleur has is that of a caring husband. Mr. Lafleur's wife has endured a myriad of serious illnesses throughout life and last year suffered a stroke causing paralysis below the waist. Mr. Lafleur has been her caretaker and encourager throughout the therapeutic battle to walk again, which displays his commitment and recognition of life priorities. 

Sid Lafleur’s leadership is exemplified by his active listening, clear communication, and willingness to help others. Congratulations on being selected as the GTI Officer of the Year!

Tim Hughley, Manager of Monitoring Customer Service (MCS), began his career with BI Incorporated at the Boulder, CO facility in 1991. Tim was hired as a third shift Monitoring Specialist, at that time called a System Monitor. He was promoted to Monitoring Supervisor after just six months and held various roles in the BI Monitoring organization including inventory and technical roles, due to his aptitude working within the BI GuardWare software platform and BI field equipment.

The MCS department was first formed in 1994, primarily as an informational resource for the Sales team and to help standardize the Monitoring Operation’s services and instructions. The team has thrived and still provides critical support to the Monitoring Operation, Partnership Development, and customers nationwide. Promoted to his current MCS management role in 2002, one of Tim’s strongest skills is helping officers optimize their use of the company’s monitoring products and services, as well as finding ways to increase officer efficiency and satisfaction.

When asked what his favorite part of the job is, Tim said, “It’s gratifying to work with an unhappy customer and turn their negative experience into a positive one. I enjoy analyzing what customers are doing and finding the best solution for their specific needs. Officers get excited when we show them everything our software can do.” When asked about his management role, he said, “It’s easy to look good when your staff is as good as mine. They’re fantastic and I trust them. I’m a hands off manager.” The average tenure for the MCS team is more than 25 years, so BI customers know that they’ll get the assistance they need, when they need it.

One of Tim’s proudest moments was when the company first acquired and implemented a large state contract. He said, “The agency didn’t want anything to do with us at first. Then officers wanted very personalized services and wanted us to coddle them. It took a lot of work, patience and time, about two years, to turn that agency around, but they have been, and are still, one of our most satisfied customers.”

Tim has built relationships with an extensive network of BI customers and employees throughout the organization. He has a no-nonsense, professional demeanor, and has helped earn the trust and loyalty of many “challenging” BI customers throughout the years. Tim is also the primary resource for mass monitoring customer communications, so officers look to him for technical expertise as well as direct and timely updates.

Tim has resided in a small town in Wisconsin for the last 25 years. When not working, Tim, his wife Amy, and their dog, Olive, enjoy hiking and snowshoeing in the nearby Chequamegon National Forest. In his spare time, he also brews his own beer! Congratulations, Tim on this well deserved award!

Fulham Correctional Centre Correctional Officer Lee-Anne Falkingham is highly valued in her “front of house” role where she greets and manages the flow of staff and visitors as they move through the Centre’s Reception and Gatehouse and into the facility. She is often the first person visitors meet on their arrival to the Centre, and often the last when they leave.

Lee-Anne began her career in corrections as a casual Correctional Officer at Fulham in 2013, before transitioning to full-time in 2021. She is renowned for her professionalism, positivity and diligence, and for never shying away from a challenge. Staff and visitors consider her welcoming, inclusive, supportive and patient with everyone who crosses her path.

She has served as a Correctional Officer on the floor in various roles for more than eight years and understands the immense responsibility and challenges that come with the job.

Fulham General Manager Natalie Greenfield said: “Lee-Anne’s impact is felt daily. Her warm reception not only creates a positive atmosphere, but also reflects the highest standards of safety and security.

“Her caring attitude extends to all visitors. From nervous families to contractors and staff members, Lee-Anne handles each interaction with a high level of respect, care and compassion,” Ms. Greenfield said. “Lee-Anne is dedicated to ensuring positive outcomes in all her interactions, consistently striving for the best results. Her demeanour is marked by respect, making her an excellent role model for all staff members.”

In addition, Lee-Anne delights in celebrating special events such as R U OK? Day, International Women’s Day, and National Corrections Day and enthusiastically ensures “her” Reception area reflects the occasion for the enjoyment of everyone attending the Centre.

Asked about what winning the Employee of the Year award meant to her, Lee-Anne said: “This is an incredible honour, especially knowing the calibre of the other candidates. For me, this recognition goes beyond the award itself - it's a reflection of the values I strive to live by every day.

“What I love most about my role at the front Reception and Gatehouse, is the unique opportunity it gives me to connect with all our staff daily and warmly welcome a diverse range of visitors. I try to provide a safe and secure environment for my colleagues and the men in our care by adhering to the strict barrier control procedures to minimise the risk of dangers that could potentially jeopardise the good order and safety of the Centre.

“I'm grateful to be part of a team that supports and encourages each other, even in the most challenging environments. My goal has always been to make a positive impact, whether it's by creating a welcoming atmosphere for our visitors or simply putting a smile on a colleague’s face. This award affirms that my efforts are making a difference, and for that, I am deeply thankful.”