Warden of the Year, Dwight Sims
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wight Sims began his career in Criminal Justice in 1994, after graduating from Frostburg State University, in Maryland. Before joining The GEO Group in 1999, he worked with juvenile offenders for five years. With GEO, he served as an Associate Warden at three facilities before being promoted to the Central Region Assistant Director of Operations in September 2007. Dwight was subsequently appointed as the Warden of the Reeves County Detention Center (RCDC) III in October of 2008, and later transferred to RCDC I/II in July of 2009. Being extremely dedicated to his staff, Dwight has made significant strides to ensure his staff are well trained and able to perform their duties to the best of their abilities. He has also created an environment which promotes open communication. He developed and implemented the first in house leadership training program for mid-level managers in the region, as well as a management book of the month club, with a total of 59 completions. A leader, a mentor, a teacher and a friend is how Dwight is recognized by his staff. Fundraising activities have kept Dwight busy due to his deep involvement in the community. The facility participated in a number of fund raising activities during the year for the American Cancer Society, the Special Olympics, Wounded Warrior Project and staff members in need. He coordinated and implemented the facility’s involvement in the Meals on Wheels program for the city of Pecos.
If asked, Dwight will be the first to tell you that he is not responsible for any of the facility’s achievements, but is blessed to have qualified, competent and dedicated staff. “The staff at Reeves are the shining stars of the facility.” Dwight is truly proud of his staff for all of their hard work and commitment to ensuring exemplary services are provided to the Bureau of Prisons while constantly looking for improvements and efficiencies. John Hurley, President of GEO U.S. Detention & Corrections, stated, “Dwight exemplifies what a GEO Warden is all about. He is dedicated, loyal, knowledgeable, professional and effective. If you wanted one of our wardens to be singled out as the example of the leadership “model” that is the standard for all GEO Wardens, Dwight is the right choice. In addition to being an exemplary Warden, he is, more importantly, a man of character, strength, and courage who possesses an incredible deep love for family, fellow workers and his country. He is “Dwight” and those that know him understand every bit of what that means.” When the work day ends, Dwight is eager to go home to his wife and three girls, Autumn 6, Courtney 9, and Kyndall 13. But once the sun sets, he is out hunting rattlesnakes in his flip flops with his black lab, Dawn.
Dwight’s correctional experience and knowledge coupled with his “can do” and “hands on” leadership style was paramount in RCDC I/II achieving full operational status ahead of schedule. The facility operates at a continued level of proficiency and effectiveness because of him. This fact is reflected in his ability to retain, mentor, train and empower a professional and experienced team. This team, under his leadership and direction, maintains the safety and security of staff and inmates. They also ensure a smooth operation and give back to the community. 6 | GEOworld
WARDEN/EMPLOYEE/OFFICER OF THE YEAR