Corrections Foundation

08/14/2026

The Corrections Foundation attended a membership outreach event for Region 1 Community Corrections on Thursday, August 13th. We shared our story with the 40 probation officers and staff in attendance, highlighting testimonials from employees directly assisted by the Foundation.

Region 1 Community Corrections boasts an impressive 89% participation rate, and we were thrilled to welcome new members to our 17,800-strong statewide community. Special thanks to Region 1 Director Thomas Maggorian for his leadership and support in making this success possible.

Since 1999, we have provided $60,900 in direct financial assistance to 89 employees in Region 1. Statewide, the Foundation has supported nearly 14,500 FDC employees with over $13 million in aid.

To wrap up the event, Foundation Director Chris Akins and Director Maggorian presented Human Resource Consultant Donna Gay with a 30th Anniversary Corrections Foundation challenge coin in gratitude for organizing the outreach.

08/06/2026

Support the FDC Fallen Officer and Employee Memorial AND save $10 by purchasing an America250FL coin and pin together! This deal won't last long. Order today - these items are in limited quantity and will not be re-ordered.

Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of theUnited

Order at https://store.correctionsfoundation.org/products/america250-coin-and-pin

07/11/2026

The Corrections Foundation is proud to announce the 10 recipients of the 2026 Louie L. Wainwright Scholarship, each awarded a $1,000 check to be applied directly to their tuition and fees.

These exceptional individuals embody the dedication and commitment central to the field of corrections.

2026 Scholarship Recipients:
• Central Office: Shamekia Latoria Brown
• Region 1 Institutions: Jada S White
• Region 2 Institutions: Aaron Scott Scott Long
• Region 3 Institutions: Salathiel Jerome Carter II & Heriberto Acevedo Jr.
• Region 4 Institutions: Dr. Monique Waddell
• Region 1 Community Corrections: Sydney Grace Rose
• Region 2 Community Corrections: Jennifer Danielle Rodgers
• Region 3 Community Corrections: Angelica Jance Madera Pennington
• Region 4 Community Corrections: Lori Ann McBride

A tie vote occurred for Region 3 Institutions. The board opted to award both individuals a Scholarship.

“The recipients of the Corrections Foundation’s Louie L. Wainwright Scholarship represent the very best of FDC and our profession, and we are proud to congratulate each of them on this well-earned recognition. This scholarship celebrates their commitment to academic excellence and service while honoring the legacy of former Secretary Louie L. Wainwright, whose dedication to public service and corrections helped shape our Department and Corrections on a national level,” said F𝗗𝗖 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱. “We look forward to seeing all they accomplish throughout their careers and know they will continue to make our profession proud. Congratulations to each of you on this well-deserved honor.”

𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿 added, “To our newest Louie L. Wainwright Scholarship winners: your passion for criminal justice and your drive to grow your careers within the Florida Department of Corrections are truly inspiring. You are the next generation carrying forward Louie Wainwright, Sr.’s legacy of exceptional leadership. The Corrections Foundation is thrilled to help support your professional journey, and we cannot wait to see the incredible mark you will leave on the future of corrections."

Region 2 Community Corrections Scholarship winner Jennifer Rodgers said, “ Receiving the Louie Wainwright scholarship has truly made me feel the truth in Mary McLeod Bethune’s words: ‘The whole world truly does open up when you have the right education.’ This award is a bridge to my future, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities it will make possible.”

The scholarship is named after Louie L. Wainwright, Sr., the former Florida Secretary of the Department of Corrections (FDC) and past President of the Corrections Foundation, who passed away on December 23, 2021, at the age of 98. It is open to any FDC officer, employee, or contractor furthering their education to build a career within the FDC.

Each year, the Corrections Foundation Board of Directors reviews applications and selects winners by June for Central Office and each Region for Institutions and Community Corrections.

The online portal to submit scholarship applications will re-open on January 1, 2027, and close on March 31, 2027. Winners for the 2027 scholarships will be selected by June 30, 2027.

07/07/2026

Congratulations to Richard D. Comerford on his appointment as Secretary of the Florida Department of Corrections.

Secretary Comerford has been a long-time supporter and friend of the Corrections Foundation. We look forward to working with him as we support FDC personnel and initiatives.

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Richard D. Comerford as Secretary of the Florida Department of Corrections!

Secretary Comerford brings more than 40 years of dedicated service to FDC, beginning his career as a correctional officer in 1986 and rising through the ranks to lead the nation’s third-largest correctional system.

Congratulations, Secretary Comerford, on this well-earned appointment. FDC looks forward to your leadership and unwavering commitment to uphold public safety and strengthen resources for staff!

07/04/2026

On the semiquincentennial of the United States, we remind ourselves we as Americans are joined together by a shared cause to make a more perfect Union and that which unites us is far stronger than that which divides us and that we must live up to those ideals.

Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

07/01/2026

Outgoing Board President Brian Wynns and board member Warden Shellie Baker were presented with plaques honoring their dedicated years of service. Under their leadership, the Foundation achieved significant growth in membership, expanded its support for members and FDC employees, and increased backing for key FDC initiatives—including the Leadership and Training Summit, the Fallen Officer & Employee Memorial, and the FDC Museum.

Not pictured: Region 4 Community Corrections Director Justine Patterson and Yvette Gomillion-Little.

It has been a true privilege to serve alongside these leaders, whose shared commitment has greatly strengthened support for FDC personnel.

07/01/2026

Corrections Foundation Announces New Board President and Members to Drive Mission Forward

TALLAHASSEE, FL — The Corrections Foundation is proud to announce the appointment of Lisa Miller as its new board president, alongside six newly appointed board members who will help guide the organization’s mission of supporting the community and employees of the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC).

Ms. Miller, CEO of Lisa Miller & Associates, transitions into the role of president after previously serving as the board's vice president. With an extensive background in public administration and senior leadership—including former roles as Deputy Chief Financial Officer of the Florida Department of Financial Services and Deputy Commissioner of the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation—Ms. Miller brings regulatory, legislative, and fiscal management expertise to the presidency.

The Corrections Foundation also welcomes six incoming board members:
● Kimberly Banks, Director of Financial Management at Jacksonville University
● Susan Davis, retired after 44 years of service at FDC, with her last post being Assistant Warden
● Chief Charles Geiger, Edgewater Police Department
● Ron Miller, Founder and Director of Higher Love
● Raeanne Hance, Director of Global Community & Corrections of God Behind Bars
● Stormie Knight, Vice President for Policy, Budget & Administration at Pasco-Hernando State College

These individuals join the all-volunteer board supporting the Foundation.

With these new arrivals, the Corrections Foundation expresses its deepest gratitude to its outgoing board leadership and members for their years of selfless, uncompensated service. The Foundation honors:
● Brian Wynns: Served on the board since 2016 and as President since 2022 and dedicating 35 years to FDC's Community Corrections before his retirement.
● Yvette Gomillion-Little: Served as Treasurer and board member since 2023 and dedicated over 26 years to FDC.
● Warden Shellie Baker: Provided crucial insights from the institutional side, rising from Officer to Warden over a 30-year career.
● Director Justine Patterson: Brought extensive community experience as Director of Region 4 Community Corrections since her appointment to the board in 2016.

"We are incredibly grateful to Brian, Yvette, Shellie, and Justine for their vision, leadership, and unwavering heart for our members," said Lisa Miller. "As we step into this next chapter with our six new board members, we remain committed to supporting our FDC family."

Established in 1996 as a non-profit Direct Support Organization for FDC pursuant to Chapter 944.802, Florida Statutes, the Corrections Foundation serves over 23,000 FDC employees and contractors statewide. The Foundation operates the Employee Assistance Program to provide urgent financial relief to officers and staff during personal crises, natural disasters, or unexpected emergencies. Additionally, the 501(c)3 organization supports programs including the Louie L. Wainwright Scholarship, Fallen Officer and Employee Memorial, and FDC Museum.

For more information regarding the Corrections Foundation and its board members, please contact the following:
Media Contact:
Corrections Foundation, Inc.
501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2500
Phone: 850-717-3715
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.correctionsfoundation.org www.correctionsfoundation.org?utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=06-26-26-Corrections-Fou

06/15/2026

ORDER SONNY’S BBQ TO SUPPORT THE CORRECTIONS FOUNDATION!

Thanks to the folks at participating Sonny’s BBQ, we have a savory offer for you. When you order a Big Deal Combo from Sonny’s BBQ, part of your purchase will go directly to the Corrections Foundation. You heard that right – not only do you get a belly full of barbeque, but you are also helping support your FDC family in the process!

To take advantage of this offer, review the participating locations below, then click https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/80904-corrections-foundation-sonnys-bbq-fundraising-campaigns?utm_source=sendgrid&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=o_offers_campaign_approved -form to place your order.

Once on the landing page, you will be taken through the following steps:
1. Customer info
2. Payment information
3. Billing information

Once you complete your payment, you will be sent a code. Once you receive this code:
1. Visit any of the participating Sonny’s BBQ locations
2. Show the server your code and redeem your order
3. Enjoy your Big Deal Combo!

The Big Deal Combo consists of:
• BBQ Sandwich (Choice of Pulled or Sliced Pork, Smoked Turkey or Pulled Chicken)
• Sidekick (upgraded sidekicks not eligible)
• Fountain drink

Share with your friends and family! Don’t miss out on this chance to get a great lunch for a great cause!

Below is a list of participating locations.

770 Schillinger Rd S
Mobile, AL 36695

2250 Seminole Blvd.
Largo, FL 33778

5145 US-90
Pace, FL 32571

630 N Navy Blvd
Pensacola, FL 32507

2707 N. Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32303

1900 N. Slappey Blvd.
Albany, GA 31701

145 Three Springs Rd.
Bowling Green, KY 42104

109 N Plaza Dr
Nicholasville, KY 40356

12475 Florida Blvd
Baton Rouge, LA 70815

101 Hampstead Place
Clinton, MS 39056

631 67th Street Circle East
Bradenton, FL 34208

2250 Highway 71
Marianna, FL 32448

30503 US Hwy 19 N
Palm Harbor, FL 34684

8313 Chellie Rd
Pensacola, FL 32526

1460 Timberlane Rd.
Tallahassee, FL 32312

14293 US Hwy 19 S
Thomasville, GA 31792

200 Hwy 770
Corbin, KY 40701

1001 Center Dr
Richmond, KY 40475

781 W Hwy 30
Gonzales, LA 70737

925 North Beal Pkwy
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547

5130 Little Rd.
New Port Richey, FL 34655

6702 N 9th Ave
Pensacola, FL 32504

3101 Dick Wilson Blvd.
Tallahassee, FL 32301

1501 3rd St. SW
Winter Haven, FL 33880

1306 US Highway 82 W
Tifton, GA 31794

2341 Buena Vista Rd.
Lexington, KY 40505

70 Sonny’s Way
Somerset, KY 42501

1374 W Government St
Brandon, MS 39042

06/03/2026

Registration is open for the 26th Annual Corrections Foundation Charitable Golf Tournament, scheduled for Thursday, November 12th at SouthWood Golf Club.

Details:
SouthWood Golf Club
3750 Grove Park Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32311

Thursday, November 12th, 2026
7:30 AM: Registration & Check-in (Foundation staff provided)
7:30 AM: Putting Contest
9:30 AM: Shotgun Start
~3:00 PM: Awards Dinner & Ceremony (start time contingent on players' course completion)

⛳ Hole-in-one prize: 2026 Nissan, courtesy of Kraft Nissan!

Register at https://correctionsfoundation.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F42415

06/01/2026

Thank you to Region 2 Community Corrections for your Corrections Foundation membership drive! Region 2 Director Tammi Schilling and Region 2 Assistant Director Brenda Mintell brought together Probation Officers and other key staff to discuss the benefits of membership in the Corrections Foundation.

And what are the benefits? Up to $1,500 in direct financial assistance for medical emegencies and major accidents and up to $1,250 for diaster relief. Since 1999, we've provided nearly 15,000 FDC personnel with over $13 million in financial assistance.

Thank you to Region 2 Community Corrections for sharing our story and how we support FDC officers and staff! And thank you to Kathleen Gangier for putting this outreach together!