Industry Awards
Nominations will be collected through August, and all award winners will be honored in the January/February 2026 issue of Correctional News.
In fall 2025, Correctional News will recognize outstanding members of the correctional and justice community with a series of prestigious new awards. These honors celebrate exemplary professionals across the architecture, engineering, construction, vendor, subcontractor, manufacturer and facility owner/operator spectrum, specifically celebrating those who have demonstrated leadership and vision, driving the industry toward progress and continual improvement.
30 Over 30 Years Experience
Correctional News is excited to honor the top 30 professionals who have contributed more than 30 years of service to the industry. This award elevates those who have dedicated their careers to justice and corrections work and are committed to fostering a new generation of leaders.
Lifetime Achievement Award
The new Lifetime Achievement Award will honor one individual annually who has made a lasting and significant impact on the corrections and justice industry. Winners of this prestigious award are dedicated to driving improvement and innovation. They are leaders, mentors and collaborators who have left an indelible mark on the industry.
Next-Generation Trailblazers
Also new for 2025 is the Next-Generation Trailblazers Award. Correctional News will name the industry’s top 10 professionals who have worked in the industry for 10 years or fewer. The award aims to recognize and elevate emerging talent and to foster a new generation of leaders across the architecture, engineering, construction, vendor, subcontractor, manufacturer and facility owner/operator spectrum.
Emerging Leader Award
The new Emerging Leader Award will honor one exemplary individual annually from the pool of Next-Generation Trailblazers nominees who has made a significant impact on the corrections and justice industry. Winners of this prestigious award are dedicated to driving improvement and innovation. They are learners, leaders and collaborators who constantly strive for progress and aim to push the industry toward progress and efficiency.
The Correctional News Editorial team, members of the Editorial Advisory Board, and members of the Industry Knowledge Council will select all honorees according to:
- Breadth and scope of service and impact
- Examples of industry leadership and innovation
- Demonstrated commitment to the positive advancement of the justice industry
- Other industry contributions (presentations, white papers/articles, committee/association leadership, mentorship, etc.)
Nominations for all awards will be accepted through Aug. 31.
Correctional News welcomes nominations from peers, colleagues, and industry professionals.
To nominate, please select the corresponding nomination form. Correctional News accepts multiple nominations for the same person and multiple nominations by the same nominator. Anonymous nominations will not be accepted.
All award winners will be honored in the January/February 2026 issue of Correctional News.