FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (23-63)

CONTACT Dayne Urbanovsky, Director of Strategic Communications

OFFICE 402-479-5799 | dayne.urbanovsky@nebraska.gov
 

September 15, 2023 (Lincoln, Neb.) – Team members at the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) carry out the mission to keep people safe each and every day. Today, recognition was given to the best of the best for their achievements in 2022 to provide leadership, customer and community service, mentorship, training and more at the department’s annual awards ceremony. The event was held at the Lancaster Extension Education Center and honored 38 teammates.

“This event is an incredible opportunity to come together as an agency and recognize the outstanding accomplishments of our team members,” said NDCS Director Rob Jeffreys. “Day in and day out, they are leading efforts to bring positive change. It is an honor to show gratitude for their work.” 

The 2,300 people who make up NDCS serve the citizens of Nebraska 24 hours a day, seven days a week. NDCS has recognized outstanding leaders within the agency since 1992. Criteria for each award varies and nominations are solicited from across NDCS.

Awards were presented by Dir. Jeffreys and Chief of Operations Diane Sabatka-Rine. Recipients represented each of the agency’s nine facilities, Cornhusker State Industries, Staff Training Academy and Central Office. Award categories included: Team Members of the Year, Supervisors/Managers of the Year, Leadership, Innovation, Customer Focused, One Team/One Vision, Excellence in Mentoring, Special Teams Member, In the Line of Duty and Outstanding Ambassador. 

“These team members are people-focused leaders who give their best every day.” said Dir. Jeffreys. “Being able to pause and show appreciation for our most valuable asset reinforces our commitment to growth and excellence.”

This year, NDCS presented the Innovation Award to a Cornhusker State Industries team responsible for production of Nebraska’s new 2023 license plates. Together they coordinated the printing and distribution of nearly 2 million licenses plates to Nebraska’s 93 counties. 

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