Retention is the New Recruitment: A Blueprint for Nurturing Talent and Retaining High-Value Employees

ICPA 2025 Presentation by Michael Bell and Dr. Kim Nugent (PID013)

Authors

Michael Bell

Vice President, MTC, United States

In the ever-evolving field of corrections, recruiting and retaining top-tier correctional officers is crucial to ensuring stability and success. This dynamic session explores the shift from traditional recruitment methods to a retention-focused strategy, demonstrating how nurturing and retaining a skilled workforce is the ultimate solution to recruitment challenges in 2025.

Michael Bell, Regional Director at MTC, brings frontline expertise to the conversation, sharing innovative approaches to fostering employee engagement and development. Partnering with Dr. Kim Nugent, a renowned expert in leadership and organizational culture, they offer a compelling blend of evidence-based practices and actionable strategies tailored for correctional institutions.

Participants will gain insights into creating an environment that prioritizes psychological safety, effective communication, and career growth - cornerstones for retaining high-performing correctional officers. With a focus on generational dynamics, mentoring programs, and structured leadership development, this session provides a blueprint for cultivating loyalty, boosting morale, and enhancing overall organizational culture.
Attendees will leave empowered with practical tools to implement retention strategies that not only reduce turnover but also elevate the quality of correctional facilities. Whether you're a seasoned leader or new to the field, this session is your key to future-proofing your workforce.

Dr Kim Nugent

Director, Harris Health, United States

Dr. Kim Nugent is the Director of Talent Management and Organizational Development at Harris Health System and a business owner. She is a certified coach through Marshall Goldsmith and the ICF, and she is a well-known expert in leadership, staff and faculty development. Kim is also a nine-time best-selling author.

Before joining Harris Health, Kim worked in higher education, starting as a faculty member and eventually becoming a University President. Her career began in the hospitality industry, where she spent twenty years in various roles, including General Manager of the Hilton College Hotel and The Lancaster Hotel, as well as Divisional Manager for Hilton Hotels' Operations and Sales and Marketing.

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