Kristi Engel is well known for her amazing attitude around the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women (NCCW). So much so, it earned her the 2019 Teammate of the Year award. Engel has a long, fulfilling history with Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) for more than 17 years. She started her career at the Hasting’s Correctional Center in 2001. She’s been with NCCW since it closed. For the past four years, Engel has served as the warehouse operator. In addition to those duties, she often pitches in to do whatever is needed - ordering for the canteen, taking inventory of the facility, and serving as a backup laundry manager.

“I was honored to be recognized,” said Engels. “I was just doing my job. It’s what I do every day.”

Engel was recognized for her attention to detail, her readiness to take on challenges, and maintaining a safe work environment. Recently, Engel worked to develop a process to improve chemical accountability. The new process not only made chemicals more secure, but it also made the process of sending out chemicals and receiving them back more efficient.

“Anyone who has worked with Kristi will tell you she is one of NCCW's hidden treasures,” said Lori Keller, public information officer for NCCW. “She takes her job seriously and without complaint, even when temperatures are below zero and she’s outside for hours, searching and unloading trucks.”

“I enjoy working at NCCW,” said Engel. “It’s something new every day. Over the years, it has been incredible to see how the programming and opportunities here, make changes in the women we work with.”