Deputy Directors Executive Institute: Peer Network

Deputy Directors Executive Institute:  Peer Network

Prison executives continue to navigate a complex and evolving correctional environment shaped by emerging internal and external challenges, including technological advances, constrained budgets, and the ongoing demands of workforce concerns.

As a lead within the agency command, the deputy director/secretary has a critical role in advancing the mission and vision of an agency and must lead the difficult conversations and decisions that arise each day. The deputy director faces the ongoing need to manage crises effectively, support the development and retention of the workforce, and maintain a positive public image.

This convening will bring together ten current deputy directors who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to convene as a peer group to assist with the design of their network, one that is active, purposeful, productive, and supportive of ongoing collaboration across agencies. The goal of this approach, designed by users and supported by the National Institute of Corrections, is an opportunity to engage in future focus training and debrief challenges that simultaneously affect the correctional landscape.

The two-day convening will be used to determine the training needs in the field, effective strategies for identifying, collecting and sharing useful practices that strengthen correctional culture, exchanging lessons learned, sustaining synergy within the network, and strengthening peer support , as they face similar leadership and operational challenges.

Participating members will be asked to assist with regional member recruitment and to coordinate the agenda for the 2028 National Deputy Directors Executive Institute Convening.

Eligibility: Applicants must currently hold the second or third command position (Deputy Commissioner, Deputy Director, Deputy Secretary) responsible for prison operations in a state or federal department of corrections.