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Cookie never shrank from unpleasant jobs during her tenure as
Employment Manager. She played pivotal roles working with
staff and management during the closing of the State Penitentiary,
the closing of other facilities during the early 90's and the budget
reductions of 2002. Throughout all of the difficulties, employees
and managers alike knew they had a friend whose word could be
depended upon without exception.
As Employment
Manager, Cookie worked closely with field staff to implement new
programs designed to attract and retain employees. Her concerns were
always that employees be treated fairly and with respect.
In
November 2002, Cookie became the first female
Deputy Director for
Administration with the
Virginia Department of Corrections. She
brought the same energy and skills to her new position and began to
apply these on a broader level as she became responsible for
finance, architectural and engineering services, and accreditation
and certification. Cookie continued her field focus ensuring these
services were supporting the agency's operation.
Throughout her career. Cookie has worked tirelessly for the
improvement of the Department, the services that it provides, and as
an employer of choice. She models the behaviors one expects and
desires in a leader. Her work ethic is renowned, her dedication to
the Department is extraordinary, and her willingness to take on the
tough challenges is exemplary. She has been the consummate
ambassador, always presenting the Department in its best light.
We do not know if Cookie was a born leader, but we do know that she
is a great one who will continue in the future to ensure the
Department
achieves its
Mission. |
