Melodye Nelson
Gatesville,TX
Summary
Talented Program Coordinator proficient in implementing programs to fulfill customer needs. Skilled at cultivating relationships to support new and existing clients. Maintains and monitors projects, budgets and expenditures. Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong worth ethic, adaptability and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Program Supervisor V
Texas Department Of Criminal Justice
Gatesville, TX
09.2019 - 03.2023
- Provided leadership, guidance and supervision to staff members.
- Developed, implemented and evaluated program policies and procedures.
- Conducted annual performance reviews of staff members.
- Created effective communication plans for stakeholders involved in the program.
- Served as liaison between the organization and external partners.
- Attended conferences related to program topics or goals.
- Helped team members improve productivity and performance through hands-on coaching in order to achieve company objectives.
Region VI Regional Director
Texas Department Of Criminal Justice
Gatesville, TX
08.2016 - 01.2019
- Provided guidance and direction to Unit Warden's in order to achieve Agency goals.
- Created programs to incentivize employees throughout the region, resulting in improved morale and productivity.
- Established effective communication channels between regional unit wardens and Agency Administration.
- Coordinated activities with other departments such as Human Resources, IT, Logistics., ensuring alignment between regional operations and agency-wide initiatives.
- Identified opportunities for process improvements within the region's operations and led implementation efforts accordingly.
- Collaborated with wardens and agency divisions in developing best practices to support company objectives.
- Delivered speeches and attended industry conferences to promote company image and engage with other correctional professionals
- Successfully oversaw Region VI within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, including 18 prisons and 16 wardens by delivering extensive management training.
Warden II Hilltop/Mountain View Unit
Texas Department Of Criminal Justice
Gatesville, TX
08.2012 - 08.2016
- Performed daily rounds of the prison facility to ensure safety and security.
- Monitored inmates' activities within the prison and ensured compliance with rules and regulations.
- Organized inmate programs such as educational classes, recreational activities, religious services, counseling sessions, and job assignments.
- Provided guidance and support to inmates during times of crisis or distress.
- Investigated incidents involving inmates or staff members, documented findings in reports, and provided recommendations to management regarding disciplinary action.
- Enforced all prison rules while maintaining order among the inmates.
- Supervised subordinate correctional officers in their day-to-day tasks including cell searches, meal distribution, mail delivery.
- Conducted regular inspections of cells for contraband items such as weapons or drugs.
- Held regular meetings with correctional officers assigned under one's command to discuss operational issues and address any grievances they may have had.
- Conducted fire, safety and sanitation inspections.
- Oversaw facility operations when monitoring laundry services, meal preparation and service, prisoner escorting and video surveillance.
Warden I Dr. Lane Murray Unit
Texas Department Of Criminal Justice
Gatesville, TX
08.2010 - 08.2012
- Performed daily rounds of the prison facility to ensure safety and security.
- Monitored inmates' activities within the prison and ensured compliance with rules and regulations.
- Organized inmate programs such as educational classes, recreational activities, religious services, counseling sessions, and job assignments.
- Investigated incidents involving inmates or staff members, documented findings in reports, and provided recommendations to management regarding disciplinary action.
- Enforced all prison rules while maintaining order among the inmates.
- Developed strategies for diffusing potentially violent situations between inmates or staff members before they escalated into physical altercations.
- Conducted regular inspections of cells for contraband items such as weapons or drugs.
- Settled disputes between inmates.
- Held regular meetings with correctional officers assigned under one's command to discuss operational issues and address any grievances they may have had.
Assistant Warden Crain Unit
Texas Department Of Criminal Justice
Gatesville, TX
08.2007 - 08.2010
- Assisted in the development and implementation of security policies and procedures.
- Provided guidance to staff regarding inmate behavior, safety protocols, and disciplinary actions.
- Conducted regular inspections of prison facilities for contraband or other violations of policy.
- Investigated incidents involving inmates or staff members to determine appropriate corrective action.
- Advised correctional officers on proper techniques for searching inmates and their cells for contraband items.
- Evaluated performance reviews of subordinate staff members in order to provide feedback on job performance.
- Coordinated shakedowns to locate and remove unauthorized items.
- Inspected locks, window bars, doors and security systems to support escape prevention.
- Used weapons, handcuffs and physical force to maintain discipline and order among prisoners.
Major of Correctional Officers- Polunsky Unit
Texas Department Of Criminal Justice
Livingston, TX
03.2004 - 08.2007
- Understood and followed oral and written directions.
- Demonstrated leadership by making improvements to work processes and helping to train others.
- Approached staff and inmates by engaging in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
- Monitored daily operations of the correctional facility to ensure safety of inmates and staff.
- Conducted regular meetings with staff to discuss issues, evaluate performance, provide feedback and develop strategies for improvement.
- Supervised a team of corrections officers in day-to-day activities, providing guidance and direction as needed.
- Investigated incidents involving inmates or staff and took appropriate disciplinary action when necessary.
- Maintained accurate records related to inmate activity, personnel matters and other relevant data.
- Coordinated efforts between different departments within the correctional facility to ensure optimal functioning of all operations.
- Performed other duties as assigned by senior management.
Correctional Officer Thru Captain of CO's
Texas Department Of Criminal Justice
Huntsville, TX
07.1989 - 03.2004
- Conducted searches of inmates, cells, and prison grounds to detect contraband or illegal activities.
- Enforced prison rules and regulations while maintaining a safe environment for inmates and staff.
- Performed security checks on visitors entering the facility as well as on packages being delivered to inmates.
- Responded to emergency situations such as riots or disturbances with appropriate force measures.
- Administered first aid when required due to injury or illness sustained by an inmate while under supervision.
- Monitored daily activities to identify and manage suspicious behavior, improper conduct and signs of conflict.
- Employed de-escalation techniques, verbal commands and physical and mechanical restraints to address unruly inmates.
- Informed inmates and visitors of rules, safety and security procedures and responsibilities.
- Supervised offender work assignments and evaluated performance for compliance with standard regulations.
- Performed head counts, checking cells for missing inmates.
- Supervised inmates during day-to-day activities.
- Inspected locks, window bars, doors and security systems to support escape prevention.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Correctional Administration And Mgnt
Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE12-2006
Associate of Applied Science - Correctional Science
Alvin Community College
Alvin, TX12-1992
Associate of Applied Science - Mid-Management
Alvin Community College
Alvin, TX05-1986
Skills
- Volunteer Management
- Reporting Requirements
- Operational leadership background
- Staff training experience
- Operational leadership
- Eligibility Determination
- Program Optimization
- Persuasive communication style
- Facility Management
- Team Oversight
Accomplishments
- Nominated for Outstanding Woman in Texas Government 2010
- Employee of the Year Ramsey III Unit 1990
Custom
- Member of American Correctional Association
- Donating Member to Correctional Peace Officers Foundation
- Former Member of National Association of Associate Wardens and Superintendents
Certification
- Firearms Instructor, Chemical Agents Application and Instructors Certificate, TCLEOSE Training for Training, Interactive training on Ethics, Human Resource Topics for Supervisors, Correctional Leadership Training
Timeline
Program Supervisor V
Texas Department Of Criminal Justice
09.2019 - 03.2023
Region VI Regional Director
Texas Department Of Criminal Justice
08.2016 - 01.2019
Warden II Hilltop/Mountain View Unit
Texas Department Of Criminal Justice
08.2012 - 08.2016
Warden I Dr. Lane Murray Unit
Texas Department Of Criminal Justice
08.2010 - 08.2012
Assistant Warden Crain Unit
Texas Department Of Criminal Justice
08.2007 - 08.2010
Major of Correctional Officers- Polunsky Unit
Texas Department Of Criminal Justice
03.2004 - 08.2007
Correctional Officer Thru Captain of CO's
Texas Department Of Criminal Justice
07.1989 - 03.2004
Bachelor of Science - Correctional Administration And Mgnt
Bellevue University
Associate of Applied Science - Correctional Science
Alvin Community College
Associate of Applied Science - Mid-Management
Alvin Community College