The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) recently hosted the Executive Leadership for New Wardens training. The training is designed to equip newly appointed wardens with essential leadership skills to confidently apply to their jobs. The program, which took place at the National Corrections Academy (NCA) in Aurora, Colorado, from April 21-24, 2026, welcomed 29 newly appointed wardens from around the country.
The program featured a distinguished lineup of facilitators, including Jane Parnell, Meg Savage, Peter Curcio and Dr. Rowlanda Cawthon, each bringing decades of knowledge as former correctional leaders.
NIC Director Patrick Mirandy, who himself participated in the New Wardens training over a decade ago, attended the event, underscoring NIC’s ongoing commitment to the leadership development of wardens who manage local, state, federal, and tribal correctional facilities.
The training received positive feedback from attendees. Many found the training relevant to their roles and gained new knowledge or skills. Participants praised the curriculum, with 95% agreeing that the content was easy to follow and that the balance between lectures, discussions, and activities was engaging. Topics covered included media relations, retention strategies, employee wellness and transformational leadership. Some attendees suggested that “NIC develop similar training to be offered to assistant wardens” and deputy administrators to further enhance leadership development within the correctional system.
