NCDAC Recognizes Outstanding Employees

The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction honored exceptional employees during an awards ceremony held today at Central Piedmont Community College.

Recipients who made an extraordinary impact between Jan. 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025 were selected by an awards committee in several categories. 

“It is a proud day for me and our organization to recognize the best and brightest employees,” said NCDAC Secretary Leslie Cooley Dismukes. “These individuals may have stood out this past year, but all of our employees have worked under difficult circumstances to keep our state safe.”

A total of 250 nominations were received and the winners in each category are:

Rising Star – Recognizes those early in their career who show exceptional growth, initiative, and promise.
-- Laura Hartley - Probation and Parole Officer, Haywood County.
-- Kelly Killough Speas - Healthcare Recruiter, Human Resources.

Workplace Improvement – Celebrates efforts that improved efficiency, processes, or morale across the workplace.
-- Kevin Rich, Deputy Budget Director.
-- Lt. Tymeka Dawson, Maury Correctional Institution.

Protection and Security – Honors actions that strengthened safety and security for staff, offenders, and the public.
-- Sharon Williams, Correction Officer, Sanford Correctional Center.
-- Capt. Darrick Philemon, Anson Correctional Institution.

Beacon of Hope – Recognizes individuals who inspired others through positivity, resilience, and encouragement.
-- Rebecca Jonas, Program Director, Catawba Correctional Center.
-- Tiesta Moore, Programs Supervisor, Anson Correctional Institution.

Above and Beyond – Celebrates unselfish devotion to duty and consistently going above expectations.
-- Kenneth Diggs, Warden, Albermarle Correctional Institution.
-- Office of State Development and Training Group (Western Region), Valdese.

Community Engagement – Highlights partnerships or initiatives that positively impacted the community.
-- Graham Atkinson, Commissioner, Post Release Supervision and Parole Commission.
-- Pender Correctional Institution Day Treatment Program.

Bravery in Service – Recognizes courage and sound judgment during emergencies that prevented harm or loss.
-- Alaina Malcolm, Probation and Parole Officer, District 16 (Robeson County).

Team Impact – Celebrates effective collaboration and teamwork that led to shared success.
-- Nursing Education Team, Comprehensive Health Services, Raleigh.
-- Community Supervision Internship Curriculum Team.

Excellence in Leadership – Honors leaders who guide, inspire, and uphold our department’s values.
-- Dwayne Hull, Warden, Randolph Correctional Institution.

Correctional Officer of the Year
-- Michael George, Richmond Correctional Institution.
-- Honorable Mention – James Phillips, Mountain View Correctional Institution.

Probation and Parole Officer of the Year
-- Kathleen “KiKi” Hampton, District 3 (Carteret County).
-- Honorable Mention – Brach Walker, District 17 (Rockingham County).

Summaries of each award winner can be found here.