Her Story
About Linda
My career in corrections began almost 30 years ago, not because I had always planned to work in the profession, but because I was looking for an opportunity in a place where opportunities were limited. At the time, I was living in Whiteville, Tennessee, a small rural community with very few employment options. I was working in a sewing factory in Bolivar, but the plant was preparing to shut down, and I knew I needed to find a new career. Just a few miles from my home was a correctional facility, and I decided to apply. What started as a practical decision quickly became a career that has defined my professional life.
I began as a Correctional Officer with Corrections Corporation of America (CCA), now CoreCivic. From the very beginning, I was determined to learn every aspect of the job and never saw any position as "just a job." I viewed each assignment as an opportunity to gain knowledge and prepare myself for greater responsibilities. Over the course of nine years, I worked my way through several positions, including Correctional Counselor, Sergeant, and Master Control Sergeant.
During my time with CCA, I had the unique opportunity to serve as the only staff member in the State of Tennessee responsible for coordinating a faith-based program for inmates transferred from Minnesota and housed in Tennessee. That experience reinforced my belief that rehabilitation requires more than security alone—it also requires opportunities for personal growth, accountability, and positive change.
Throughout those nine years, I gained experience in nearly every aspect of institutional operations. I served as Disciplinary Chairperson, conducting hearings for inmate disciplinary infractions and ensuring due process within the disciplinary system. I also served as Grievance Chairperson, reviewing inmate grievances, interpreting policy, and working to resolve concerns fairly and consistently. Looking back, I can honestly say I have worked in just about every area of corrections, and each position gave me a broader understanding of how correctional facilities operate.
After nine years with CCA, I accepted a position with the Tennessee Department of Correction, where I will celebrate 20 years of service on October 6. My career with TDOC has provided opportunities to continue growing as both a leader and a professional while contributing to statewide initiatives that improve correctional operations.
Today, I serve as a Correction Administrator over Unit Management, a position I have held for the past two years. In this role, I oversee initiatives designed to improve consistency, accountability, and operational effectiveness across correctional institutions throughout Tennessee. One of my proudest accomplishments has been writing the Unit Management Training Manual, which serves as the foundation for training unit managers across the department.
Beyond developing training materials, I am leading efforts to standardize unit management practices statewide. My goal is to ensure that when an inmate transfers from one facility to another, the expectations, procedures, and daily operations are consistent regardless of location. Standardization not only improves efficiency for staff but also creates a more predictable and equitable environment for inmates.
Currently, one of my primary responsibilities is leading the complete revision of the Tennessee Department of Correction's inmate and visitation handbooks. Rather than maintaining separate handbooks at each institution, I am creating one comprehensive statewide handbook that establishes consistent policies, procedures, and expectations for every correctional facility. It is a significant undertaking, but one that I believe will improve communication, consistency, and operational excellence across the department.
Education has also played a major role in my professional journey. Although I began my career without a college degree, I never allowed that to limit my ambitions. As a working adult, I made the decision to return to school because I believed education would make me a stronger leader and open doors for future opportunities. In 2019, I earned my Associate of Professional Studies degree, proving to myself that it is never too late to continue learning.
That accomplishment motivated me to keep going. I went on to earn my Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. I chose Union because its adult-focused program allowed me to balance the demands of a full-time career while continuing my education. Throughout that process, I encouraged my coworkers to pursue higher education as well because I firmly believe that education is one of the greatest investments anyone can make. The more we learn, the more effective we become as professionals and leaders.
As an African American woman in corrections, my journey has not always been easy. When I began my career, corrections was overwhelmingly a male-dominated profession, and leadership opportunities for women—particularly Black women—were far less common than they are today. I often felt that I had to work harder, perform better, and consistently prove myself in order to receive the same recognition and opportunities as others. While those challenges were difficult, they also strengthened my determination and work ethic.
One of my greatest professional achievements is not simply the title I hold today but the path I took to get here. I earned every promotion through hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to continuous learning. I advanced during a time when women were not frequently promoted into leadership positions, making my journey especially meaningful.
Perhaps the most rewarding change I have witnessed over the years is the growing number of women serving in correctional leadership roles. Today, I see women leading institutions, directing operations, and making critical decisions that shape the future of corrections. Watching that progress has been both inspiring and rewarding because it reflects how far our profession has come. I am proud to have been part of that evolution and hope my career demonstrates to future generations that with integrity, determination, education, and perseverance, there are no limits to what they can achieve.
Looking back over nearly three decades in corrections, I never imagined that accepting a job just a few miles from my home would become a lifelong career dedicated to leadership, training, policy development, and improving correctional operations across the State of Tennessee. It has been a journey built on hard work, resilience, continuous learning, and a genuine commitment to making a positive difference in the profession I have proudly served for nearly 30 years.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Linda
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to three things: hard work, unwavering dedication, and the guidance of an exceptional mentor. While determination opened many doors for me, having someone who believed in my potential and challenged me to grow made all the difference in my career.
One of the most influential people in my professional journey was Robert Henry, who later became Warden at West Tennessee State Penitentiary. When I first approached him, he was serving as the Classification Coordinator. I remember asking him, "Will you teach me your job?" He looked at me as if I had lost my mind and replied, "Nobody wants this job." But I wasn't discouraged. I told him that I wanted to learn because I believed every opportunity to gain knowledge would prepare me for something greater.
From that moment on, he took me under his wing. He invested his time, shared his knowledge, and challenged me to think beyond my current position. Under his mentorship, I eventually became the Classification Coordinator myself. More importantly, he taught me lessons about leadership, confidence, and resilience that have stayed with me throughout my career.
One lesson I have never forgotten came after I made an error. I remember going to him and saying, "Rob, I made a mistake." Without hesitation, he replied, "Don't ever say you made a mistake." Then he explained that I was human, and humans learn, grow, and improve through experience. He taught me not to define myself by a single setback but to focus on how I responded, corrected the issue, and moved forward. That simple conversation changed my perspective. Instead of fearing failure, I learned to embrace challenges as opportunities to become a stronger leader.
His mentorship gave me confidence to pursue positions I might not have otherwise considered. He consistently encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, believe in my abilities, and never stop learning. Those lessons became the foundation of my leadership philosophy and have influenced the way I mentor others today.
While I have worked tirelessly throughout my career and earned every opportunity through dedication and perseverance, I recognize that none of us achieve success entirely on our own. Having a mentor who saw my potential before I fully saw it myself helped shape the leader I have become. Today, I strive to pay that gift forward by encouraging, developing, and mentoring others, just as Robert Henry did for me.
Looking back over my career, I can confidently say that my success has been built on a combination of hard work, continuous learning, resilience, and the invaluable guidance of someone who believed in me. His investment in my growth not only changed the trajectory of my career but also inspired me to become the kind of leader who helps others realize their own potential.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received came from a former Correction Administrator named John Fisher. Early in my career, he shared a simple but powerful statement that has stayed with me ever since: "If you stay ready, you don't have to get ready." Those few words have become one of the guiding principles of my professional life.
At first, I understood his advice as simply being prepared for inspections or unexpected situations. As my career progressed, however, I realized it applied to every aspect of leadership. Staying ready means maintaining high standards every day—not just when someone is watching. It means ensuring policies are followed, documentation is current, staff are properly trained, and operations are running efficiently on a consistent basis.
That philosophy has been especially valuable in my current role as a Correction Administrator. Whether preparing for audits, policy reviews, accreditation visits, or executive inspections, I have learned that success comes from doing the right things every day rather than scrambling at the last minute. When auditors or leadership teams arrive, there is no need to rush, panic, or make temporary fixes because the work has already been done. Preparation becomes a daily habit instead of a last-minute event.
This mindset has also influenced the way I lead. I encourage staff to approach their responsibilities with consistency and professionalism, understanding that excellence is achieved through daily discipline rather than occasional effort. Being prepared builds confidence, reduces stress, and creates an environment where employees can focus on solving problems instead of reacting to them.
John Fisher's advice extends beyond corrections. It has shaped how I approach professional development, leadership opportunities, and personal growth. By continually learning, seeking new responsibilities, and preparing myself for the next challenge, I have been able to advance throughout my career with confidence. Rather than waiting for opportunities to appear, I have worked to ensure that when opportunities came, I was already equipped to succeed.
Looking back, that simple phrase—"If you stay ready, you don't have to get ready"—has become more than just career advice. It has become a philosophy that has guided my decision-making, strengthened my leadership, and contributed significantly to my success throughout nearly three decades in corrections.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the corrections profession is simple: come into this career for the right reasons. Corrections is more than just a paycheck—it is a profession that requires integrity, accountability, and a commitment to serving others. Every decision you make matters, and your reputation is one of the most valuable things you will ever have.
One of the first things I tell new employees is, "Don't come looking for a job within the job." In corrections, that means don't compromise your integrity by bringing in contraband, becoming involved with inmates inappropriately, or engaging in any activity that violates policy or the public's trust. No amount of money or outside influence is worth risking your career, your reputation, or your future. Protect your name because once your integrity is questioned, it can be difficult to rebuild.
Come into this profession with the desire to learn and grow. Be willing to start at the bottom, listen to those with experience, and take advantage of every opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills. Ask questions. Observe. Learn from both successes and mistakes—your own and those of others. Every assignment and every challenge is an opportunity to become a better correctional professional and a stronger leader.
Never be afraid to admit when you don't know something. There is strength in asking for help. If you need additional training, say so. If you need someone to explain a process again, ask them. If you need a task broken down step by step, speak up. Saying, "Can you show me again?" or "I need more training," demonstrates a commitment to doing the job correctly. What matters is your willingness to learn and improve.
At the same time, take ownership of your own development. Don't wait for someone else to hand you every answer. Seek out mentors, volunteer for new assignments, read policies, attend training, and continuously challenge yourself to become better. The most successful people in corrections are lifelong learners who are always looking for ways to improve.
Finally, believe in yourself. Corrections has traditionally been a male-dominated profession, but women continue to prove every day that they are capable leaders, decision-makers, and role models. Don't let anyone tell you what you cannot accomplish. Let your work ethic, professionalism, and character speak for you. Be dependable, be honest, be prepared, and never stop learning.
If you enter this profession with integrity, humility, and a willingness to work hard, you will earn respect, build a rewarding career, and create opportunities not only for yourself but also for the women who will follow in your footsteps.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
At this stage in my career, I have reached one of the highest levels I have aspired to achieve as a Correction Administrator. While there are positions above mine, I have spent a great deal of time thinking about what I truly want from the remainder of my career, and I have realized that advancement is not always about climbing to the next title.
The next level would involve executive leadership positions, such as Assistant Commissioner, where the responsibilities—and the level of accountability—are significantly greater. Those roles carry enormous pressure, with decisions that can affect an entire correctional system and often involve legal challenges, public scrutiny, and organizational liability. While I have great respect for those who serve in those positions, I have come to recognize that they are not necessarily the path I want to pursue.
I am genuinely fulfilled in my current role as a Correction Administrator. It allows me to make a meaningful impact on policy, training, and operational consistency throughout the Tennessee Department of Correction while remaining connected to the work that I enjoy most. I have the opportunity to improve processes, mentor staff, and contribute to initiatives that affect correctional facilities across the state, and that is incredibly rewarding to me.
That doesn't mean I have stopped growing. In fact, I believe some of the greatest professional growth comes from broadening your experience rather than simply seeking the next promotion. I am open to lateral assignments or even positions that others might consider a step backward if they provide the opportunity to learn something new and expand my knowledge.
For example, many people view moving from operations into compliance as a step back because it may not appear to be the traditional path to advancement. I see it differently. To me, it is not a step back—it is a step sideways into another area of expertise. You're not leaving corrections; you're strengthening your understanding of another critical component of the organization. Every new experience makes you a more well-rounded leader.
Too often, people measure success by titles or salary alone. While compensation is certainly important, I have learned that knowledge, experience, and professional growth have far greater long-term value. The money will come with time, but the skills you gain through continuous learning stay with you throughout your career. Every role teaches you something that prepares you for future challenges and enables you to make a greater impact.
As I look ahead, my goal is not simply to earn another promotion. My goal is to continue learning, contributing, and growing as a leader. If that means taking a different path than others expect, I am comfortable with that decision. I believe that true career success is not defined by how high you climb, but by the difference you make, the knowledge you gain, and the legacy you leave behind.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my professional and personal life are simple, but they have shaped every decision I've made throughout my career: say what you mean, and mean what you say. To me, a person's word is one of the most valuable things they have. Your reputation is built on whether people can trust what you say and count on you to do what you've committed to do.
I believe you're only as good as your word. If you make a commitment, follow through. If circumstances change and you can't fulfill that commitment, communicate honestly and as early as possible. Don't disappear, don't avoid difficult conversations, and don't leave others wondering what happened. Whether it's in the workplace or in your personal life, people deserve honesty and respect. Simply letting someone know, "I won't be able to make it," or "I'm unable to complete this on time," demonstrates professionalism and accountability.
Integrity is about doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. Throughout my career in corrections, I have learned that trust is earned over time but can be lost in a single moment. That's why I believe honesty, accountability, and consistency are essential qualities for anyone who wants to be an effective leader.
Another value I hold strongly is humility. No one knows everything, and there is no shame in admitting when you need help. In fact, I believe asking questions is a sign of strength, not weakness. If I don't understand something, I have no problem saying, "I need more training," "Can you show me again?" or "Can you explain it a different way?" My goal has always been to learn the right way rather than pretending I already know.
I also encourage others to take ownership of their learning. Instead of saying, "Nobody showed me," be proactive. Ask questions. Request additional instruction. If something needs to be broken down into smaller steps, ask for that. Everyone learns differently, and there is nothing wrong with seeking the support you need to be successful. What matters is your willingness to learn and your commitment to doing the job correctly.
These values—integrity, honesty, accountability, humility, and a commitment to continuous learning—have served me well throughout nearly three decades in corrections. They have helped me earn the trust of my colleagues, build meaningful professional relationships, and grow into the leader I am today. More importantly, they are values that I strive to model every day, because I believe leadership is not just about what you say—it's about the example you set for others.
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