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relationship the Department of Corrections has with the Governor’s Office and the Legislature. It also tied in very well with Secretary Dixon’s update on the state of the Department’s legislative goals.” This component helps participants connect their daily duties to the broader policy environment. It verifies the importance of articulating the needs of community corrections in a way that resonates with lawmakers and the public. Leaders who understand this connection are better advocates for their staff and the individuals they supervise as they learn to see “the big picture.” treat … The tour cemented the complex relationship the Department of Corrections has with the Governor’s Office and the Legislature. It also tied in very well with Secretary Dixon’s update on the state of the Department’s legislative goals.” — James Cadden, Correctional Probation Senior Supervisor “The time spent at the Florida Capitol was an extra special

“This part of the training … was enlightening. Our Assistant Deputy Secretary Joe Winkler pro vided firsthand knowledge of how decisions are vetted and made at the highest level.” For James Cadden, the training was more than a learning experience — it was a career milestone: “I am very honored to have been invited to participate … I believe the training could easily be extended beyond the 16 hours and still be engaging.” His feedback also included suggestions for future classes, such as deeper dives into hiring processes and expanded use of critical incident simulations with real world imagery — reinforcing the need for leadership development to evolve with its audience. Supervisor Brittany Lund echoed the sentiment of lasting impact, particularly from the special panel that included returning citizens, victims, and loved ones of incarcerated individuals: “To be reminded that even the smallest of gestures … can go a long way to motivating someone to be successful not just today but, in the future … We can make lasting impacts on those we interact with, and that should not be taken for granted.” Deputy Circuit Administrator Kristopher Vona, formerly a Senior Supervisor, reflected on his participa tion in the inaugural class as the next step in his growth, having also attended the first Supervisor Leadership Training four years prior. He found the sessions on real-world case studies, leadership transparency, and the Capitol tour especially meaningful: “This training exceeded my expectations. It helped me grow, understand higher-level decision making, and prepare for future leadership.” Shortly after completing the course, Vona became the first graduate to be promoted to Deputy Circuit Administrator. These testimonials demonstrate that leadership train ing isn’t just about preparing for the next rank; it’s about deepening empathy, increasing insight, and reaffirming the mission and values of the Department. →

Testimonials: The human impact of leadership development

The impact of the Advanced Leadership Training has been deeply personal and professionally transformative for its participants. Deputy Circuit Administrator Chad Cutkomp emphasized how the experience pulled back the curtain on executive decision-making:

Fall 2025 | Corrections Today

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