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Transforming Culture, Transforming Lives: How Focusing on Organizational Culture within a Department Revolutionized Recidivism Reduction across a State
SESSION INFO
Monday, January 27, 2025
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Session Type: Workshop
Join us as we explore a compelling case study of how a targeted focus on organizational culture within a challenging environment led to a significant decrease in recidivism rates. After years of unsuccessful attempts to increase the outcomes in their work release programs, the Iowa DOC committed to the intentional and purposeful use of implementation science to focus their efforts on organizational culture and alignment. Since that time, not only have they successfully increased program participation and completion rates, but they have also drastically decreased recidivism rates among this population. Their efforts to work on alignment, rather than seeking new tools or program concepts to change their outcomes, have made the work release program a primary driver in the overall reduction of recidivism across the state, for which Iowa is being recognized at a national level. This session will unravel the leadership strategies and cultural shifts that transformed a struggling division into a beacon of success. Through a blend of storytelling and data-driven insights, we will demonstrate the profound impact of culture on client outcomes and provide actionable takeaways for leaders seeking to drive change in their own organizations.
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SESSION PRESENTERS
Dawn Hansen
Field Services Manager, IA Dept of Corrections
Dawn Hansen serves as the Field Services Manager at the Iowa Department of Corrections (DOC), bringing over 17 years of experience in the field. She began her career as a counselor at Newton Correctional Facility, aiding in inmate rehabilitation and re-entry. Over the years, she has taken on roles such as Community Program Monitor, Probation Parole Officer III, and Field Supervisor for the Parole and Mental Health unit. As the former Residential Services Manager, Dawn managed Iowa residential facilities, ensuring smooth operations and promoting collaboration through implementation science practices. Her leadership was further recognized when she graduated from the American Probation and Parole Association's (APPA) Leadership Institute, where her project focused on developing a wellness program for DOC employees. In her current role, she oversees statewide programming, probation, and parole services, ensuring effective reintegration support for individuals under DOC supervision.
Dr. Alexandra Walker
Director of Community Relations and Strategy, The Alliance for Community & Justice Innovation
Dr. Alexandra Walker has more than 25 years of experience in the field of reentry and behavioral health. She offers a diverse background in evidence-based practices, training, program development, implementation science, and treatment modalities. Alex has worked on a myriad of federal, state, and local justice initiatives and research projects. Most recently she transitioned from the Colorado Parole Board as Vice Chair to co-found and run the Alliance for Community and Justice Innovation (ACJI). Having managed implementation efforts large and small across the correctional space, Alex brings a wealth of experience in both community based and institutional corrections. She is well versed in the development, implementation, and measurement of structured decision-making tools and is committed to helping organizations reach fidelity to their highest impact practices and programs. As the Director of Community Relations and Strategy for ACJI, Alex provides tools, strategies, research and evaluation supports for implementation efforts at the state and local level, coaches leaders on implementation and staff engagement efforts, and develops practices and resources for specialized populations with organizations across the country.
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