The class had 41 participants, many of whom were from outside state agencies, complete the 12-month long program. The participants meet four times a year and tackle several issues within the IDOC, as well as build powerful connections among participants and presenters. Participants are required to complete reading assignments and course-related work studies to explore their leadership abilities. They also are required to collaborate on cost-savings and Capstone projects.
The EEL Program establishes strong leadership skills by requiring self analysis and peer review. Hard work and dedication are a proven requirement throughout the program. Prior to graduation, participants, in selected teams, present their projects to a panel of administrative officials.
Since the inception of the EEL program in 2007, it has grown and expanded to meet the needs of the department as well as to give participants necessary tools to excel and promote. The program includes such events as a 5K walk/run and a "Speed Interview" session allowing participants to be interviewed by several people, switching tables after 5 minutes to meet new interviewers.
State employees are nominated by their agency head, facility head, division director or a past EEL graduate. Once an employee has been nominated, they receive an application to apply, which includes a resume, essay, and video submission. Once the applicant submits all components of the application, it is reviewed by a selection board composed of Indiana Department of Correction executives, EEL staff, and the IDOC Commissioner.
This year's graduates and the agencies they represent include:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles: Natalie Huffman
Central Office: Sonya Phipps, Derek Grubbs, Lloyd Arnold, Matthew Travis
Indiana State Prison: Darrell Draper, Douglas Wardlow
Staff Development & Training: Dan Patton, Craig Stoll, Mindy Blech, Kristy Cobb
Miami Correctional Facility: Chris Ertel, Katie Miller
Indiana Women's Prison: Amber Breeden
Indiana Department of Homeland Security: Ashley Baldwin
Heritage Trails Correctional Facility: Brandon Burton, Ryan Patton
Indiana Department of Environmental Management: Brooke Myer
Hoosier Lottery: Christopher Balich
Edinburgh Correctional Facility: Colin Wonder
Plainfield Correctional Facility: Christopher Askew, John Hill
Indiana Gaming Commission: Dan Hirst
Indiana Criminal Justice Institute: Devon McDonald
Indiana Office of Technology: Diane Kelly
State Personnel Department: Jennifer Jones
Putnamville Correctional Facility: Joseph Browning, Diana Hughett, Donald Pinkston
Integrated Public Safety Commission: Kelly Dignin
Westville Correctional Facility: Kenneth Watts, Tom Stinson
Indiana Department of Administration: Kesha Rich
Pendleton Correctional Facility: Renee Bodkin, Sarah Amburn
Indiana Department of Revenue: Laura Rakaska
Correctional Industrial Facility: Laura Rasmussen
Reception Diagnostic Center: Robbie Johnson, Ronda Kelley
Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission: Ryan Heater
Indiana Law Enforcement Academy: Thomas Moore
2019 Experienced and Emerging Leaders Graduation Class