2007 Corrections Person of the Year - DAVE HEGG
This award is given to for outstanding contribution in the field of corrections in Minnesota by an individual in any employment. It could be clergy, judges, legislators, group parents, etc., as well as correctional professionals.

Dave (shown here with Bob Hanson) came to Thistledew Camp in 1975 as a Rehabilitation Therapist. He moved into a Corrections Agent position in 1977 where he was one of several caseworkers available to youth at camp. While a caseworker, he also held the position of Challenge Director. In 1992, Dave became the Superintendent/Warden at Thistledew Camp. In 2000, Dave’s title was changed to Chief Executive Officer of Juvenile MinnCorr. No matter what the position, Dave’s mission remained the same – to maintain a safe program where youth could build self-esteem. Dave is a leader who believes in his staff, the program ideals, and the opportunity to provide for all residents the ability to work on self-esteem, and the chance to build a better future for themselves.

2007 Professional Achievement Award - KEITH MILLS and TIM LANZ
This award is given to two correctional staff persons (field services and correctional facilities) who have demonstrated achievement over a period of time, but shall not exclude professionals new to the field who have displayed outstanding achievement.

Keith began his career in Corrections in 1974 in Ada, Minnesota, 33 years later he continues to have a significant impact on Corrections today. In 33 years, he has been the mentor to many. He is someone who is always willing to listen and give advice when needed. He is very approachable, someone who has guided many young probation agents to be the best they can be. Keith is respected by everyone who knows him. He has developed strong relationship with Judges, attorney’s, and Law Enforcement. He is professional, calm, and admired by anyone who knows him. Keith has had an impact on the lives of countless offenders. He developed the Intensive Supervision Program for sec offenders at Tri-County Community Corrections in 1992. In 1996, he expanded the program to include high risk, violent offenders. In has also been instrumental in developing the Group Supervision Program in 2001. In 1999, Keith was appointed Assistant Director of Community Services. He has shown innovation and dedication for 33 years of service to Polk, Red Lake, and Norman Counties.

As Transitions Program Director, Tim was instrumental in creating the Transitions Program. He forged the arrangements to put Transition Resource Centers in institution education departments. He worked tirelessly to develop a procedure to help inmates obtain identification documents needed for successful re-entry. When the DOC Re-Entry Services Team was created, Tim became the Re-Entry Program Manager for facilities. In that role, he has extended the number of Transition Coordinators to include St. Cloud and soon an additional position at Faribault. Tim was responsible for creating a collaborative agreement with the Department of Human Services to place a child support investigator at St. Cloud to identify and assist inmates in dealing with issues of child support arrears. Tim has a long and distinguished career in Corrections as a Case Worker, Case Management Supervisor, and is an important member of the Re-entry Services Team at the Department of Corrections.

2007 President’s Award - KEEPING STAFF SAFE COMMITTEE
This award is given to programs, resources, or facilities working in the broad field of corrections and criminal justice, which demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, effectiveness, and innovation.

The Arrowhead Regional Corrections Keeping Staff Safe Committee was formed two years ago and includes probation officers, probation supervisors, Northeast Regional Corrections staff, and Arrowhead Juvenile Center staff. They have accomplished researching safety issues an staff needs, researching safety curriculums that best fit corrections in both field and institutional settings, selecting a multi-level training curriculum and identifying the needed level of training for all employees, certification in different safety curriculums, writing safety police for Arrowhead Regional Corrections, offering safety trainings on an on-going basis, and extending training opportunities and expertise to other corrections agency.

2007 Board of Directors’ Award - MICHELLE SMITH
This award recognizes exemplary service to MCA members through participation in association activities.

Michelle began her career in 1990 at MCF-Shakopee and transferred to MCF-Stillwater as a Corrections Lieutenant in 1997. She was later promoted to Corrections Program Director in 2006. In addition, Michelle has worked in many areas of the facility as unit Lieutenant Watch Commander, Visiting Lieutenant, and Discipline Lieutenant. Michelle has been an active member in MCA for more than 17 years. During that time, she has been the Chair and Co-Chair of the Resource Fair for multiple years, Editor of the FORUM for several years, and served as the Secretary on the Board of Directors. Most recently, Michelle has been a member of the Nominating Committee, Adult Justice Committee and the Training Institute Committee. Her service and commitment to her profession and her professional association is beyond measure.