Nominees

COMMISSION ON ACCREDITATION

SEAT 1

ERIC BAUDER (TN) CANDIDATE PROFILE

COMMISION ON ACCREDITATION

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

PROFESSIONAL BIOGRAPHY

Eric Bauder has dedicated more than 33 years to the Nashville-Davidson County Sheriff’s Office, building a career grounded in correctional leadership, behavioral health innovation, and evidence-based programming. Since beginning his service in 1992, he has held numerous operational and administrative roles, including Community Corrections Officer, Business Office Supervisor, Intake Services Director, and Project Manager. As Project Manager, Bauder helped oversee the construction and operational planning of the Downtown Detention Center, a 762-bed maximum-security facility, and the agency’s 80,000 square-foot headquarters. In 2019, he was appointed Director of the Behavioral Care Center (BCC), a nationally recognized initiative focused on diverting and treating individuals with mental illness within the justice system. Under his leadership, the BCC advanced collaborative behavioral health practices aimed at reducing recidivism and improving outcomes for justice-involved individuals. Currently serving as Deputy Chief, Bauder oversees the Behavioral Care Center, Behavioral Health Services, and a broad range of rehabilitative and reentry-focused programs, including the Day Reporting Center, DUI School, grant-funded initiatives, Harvesting Hope Horticulture Program, and Virtual Services. Bauder holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Middle Tennessee State University and earned his Correctional Behavioral Health Certification through the American Correctional Association in 2018. His career reflects a longstanding commitment to accreditation, innovation, public safety, and advancing best practices in corrections.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

LEADERSHIP & EXPERTISE

33+ Years with the Nashville-Davidson County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief, Behavioral Care Center & Behavioral Health Services Behavioral Health & Reentry Programming Correctional Operations & Facility Planning Accreditation, Innovation & Public Safety Initiatives Mental Health Diversion & Recidivism Reduction Program

Certified in Correctional Behavioral Health Advocate for Evidence-Based Correctional Practices

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