Category Central Office Show all
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Shout Out: Lt. Jones and Sgt. Johanssen
By Shelby Groath
Thank you so much for offering you time and strength helping Central Office clean up the appreciation BBQ area. Your help was greatly appreciated.
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Shout Out: Victor Archibong
By Jana Payne
Victor has gone above and beyond in his assistance to create video content for the virtual court team! He was given a short timeline and worked in collaboration with 3 sites (MCF-FRB, MCF-LL and MCF-RC) to gather and compile footage that displays what our virtual court settings look like at varying sites, levels and modes of operation. Thank you for jumping into this project with enthusiasm and curiosity!
The footage taken will be used for various presentations and education with our judicial partners and internal stakeholders.
Thank you again Victor for your creative lens and dedication to creating content that helps us tell our story!
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Nanette Larson Retiring
By Jolene Rebertus and Kristine Flores
After 25 years with the Department of Corrections and 33 years of state service, Nanette Larson has decided to retire.
Throughout her tenure, she has been responsible for the care and well-being of nearly 8,000 incarcerated men, women and juveniles. Many of us know her well, and know firsthand how incredible Nan is not only in all her significant work accomplishments, but how she makes people feel in the workplace. She inspires many to do exceptional work, and provides encouragement to others every day.
While the loss will no doubt be felt by all, we couldn't be more proud to celebrate this day. Congratulations, Nan, on your incredible achievements and well deserved retirement. You will be missed!
Her last day with MN DOC will be April 5th.
Please join us in celebrating at Central Office in the Pung Conference Rooms on April 2nd 1-3pm.
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Shout Out: Justin Roberts, Inspection & Enforcement
By Greg Huska, Inspector General
This well-earned recognition is for Senior Facility Inspector Justin Roberts who recently completed a WOOC assignment as the Director of the Inspection & Enforcement (I&E) unit.
In addition to daily duties overseeing inspections and special incidents for DOC-licensed facilities, Justin worked with the I&E team to refine processes, onboard new staff, and answer external data requests. Justin proactively engaged with Legal on several projects, collaborated with the IG on several strategic priorities, and met with external stakeholders to address emerging matters and concerns.
Justin, thank you for a job well done, and for continuing to represent the I&E Unit, the Office of Inspector General, and the DOC with the highest degree of professionalism.
Click here to learn more about Inspection & Enforcement's role.
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Shout Out: Jay Olson
By Master Instructor Jason Koski
I'd like to give a Shout Out to Jay Olson, facility TDS personnel, and scheduling Lieutenants for their hard work with making the CT/SD Instructor Basic course successful.
Jay is always the point person for these events and much of the logistics and coordination fall solely on his able shoulders, often without an appreciation for all of the cogs that need to fall into place to make it happen.
Important cogs in that wheel are facility TDS staff that coordinate on a local level all of the moving pieces to enable staff to attend this nine day event. Scheduling Lieutenants are also invaluable to ensure the facilities are able to run safely and securely while the students are learning their instructing skills and knowledge.
Facilities receive Instructors that are able to then teach three curriculums when it is complete, but there are a lot of moving parts in-between that need to move smoothly to enable the success of this event.
Thank you to everyone behind the scenes to make this happen. You are truly appreciated from an end user!
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Shout Out: DOC Incident Management Team Members
By Jay Olson
More than 100 Emergency Management professionals from across the country advanced their leadership skills in emergency management in Duluth during the week of January 29th at the Section Chiefs Academy, which takes place every three years.
The offerings focus on the Incident Command System and the Incident Management Team's core command and general staff positions – incident commander, public information officer, liaison officer, safety officer, and the section chiefs who coordinate planning, operations, logistics, and finance. 120 students from Alaska, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Canada attended.
AWA Ian Heaslip (ML) and Safety Administrator Ben Drilling (SCL) represented the DOC Incident Management Team (IMT). The IMT is available to manage any type of incident that qualifies under the critical mission priorities: assist command, assume command, and/or pre-event planning. The IMT is also available to the State of Minnesota as needed. According to AWO Heaslip, “during this four-day training, the role and responsibilities for the Planning Section Chief were explained in detail, including hands-on exercises to practice using the myriad of forms necessary to make the ICS process work well in a Type 1, 2, or 3 activation."
DOC Emergency Manager Amy Chamberlain stated that “this level of training ensures that the IMT maintains a high-level of readiness and preparedness for all hazards incident response consistent with FEMA and HSEM requirements."
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Congratulations to Shelbi Groath
By Kristin Lueken
Please join us in welcoming and congratulating Shelbi Groath, who has accepted the Exec II position at Central Office assisting Assistant Commissioner Eddie Miles.
Shelbi joined the department upon completing her bachelor's degree in both Criminal Justice and Management from Rasmussen College. Commencing her tenure as a corrections officer at MCF-Stillwater in 2020, she has since distinguished herself by undertaking work out of class appointments in both the Health Services Unit and the Hearing and Release Unit. Shelbi's active involvement in various committees and comprehensive training sessions has significantly enriched her contributions to the department.
Notably, she served as the SORT CAT at MCF-Stillwater, showcasing her leadership capabilities, and she is also CIT trained, exemplifying her commitment to continuous professional development. Beyond her professional endeavors, Shelbi finds joy in woodworking and spends quality time outdoors with her wife and dogs during her leisure moments.
Congratulations Shelbi! Congratulations
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Communication Director Skoogman Accepts New Chief of Staff Role with Minneapolis PD
DOC Communication Director Andy Skoogman has accepted a new position as Chief of Staff for the Minneapolis Police Department. In that role, Andy will help lead the implementation of the department’s strategic initiatives and reform measures as defined by both the Police Chief and the Department of Justice. The position presents a tremendous opportunity to help shape the future of the largest municipal police department in the state.
Andy’s last official day with the Department of Corrections is Friday, December 22nd.
The commissioner is actively working to identify and appoint a new communications director to replace Andy. In the interim, Sarah Fitzgerald and Aaron Swanum will coordinate with the commissioner on any media inquiries.
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Congrats to Central Office's Sullivan on Promotion
Deborah Sullivan, previously at Oak Park Heights, was recently promoted from Buyer II to Buyer Supervisor. Congratulations Deborah!
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Shout Out for Employee Development's Gunelius
Balinda Bailey wrote in to show gratitude for team member Laurie Gunelius. Here's what she had to say:
The work never slows down! From MCA, MMB- CORE courses, Conferences, AHA Instructor Fees, Training Equipment and more. We can always count on Laurie to patiently explain what needs to be done, when details are missed. Her respectful communications and helpful nature are greatly appreciated by the Employee Development team.
Thank you for submitting this Balinda!
