Ricky Whitten
Fletcher,OK
Summary
Highly-motivated professional with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Warden
New Mexico Corrections Department
Grants, New Mexico
07.2023 - Current
- Currently employed by the NMCD as Warden of the Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in July 2023, overseeing a two-unit facility consisting of a 300 bed maximum security female facility and a 600 bed medium security male facility.
- As the accountable leader of an adult correctional facility, I successfully handle various responsibilities including managing Human Resources, having oversight over the Business Office operations, and meticulously handling budgetary matters. Moreover, I diligently work to establish a culture emphasizing safety, security, and professionalism within the institution.
- Supervise subordinate correctional officers in their day-to-day tasks including booking procedures, cell searches, meal distribution, mail delivery.
- Assist with budget management to ensure financial objectives are met within allocated funds.
Warden
Oklahoma Department of Corrections
Sayre, Oklahoma
03.2021 - 06.2023
- Assumed new role as Warden IV at the North Fork Correctional Center in Sayre, Oklahoma. Transitioned seamlessly into previous Warden duties while spearheading a cultural transformation for the facility.
- Achieved a significant decrease of approximately 70% in serious incidents and violence during tenure. Successfully fostered a safer environment for inmates and staff.
- Enforced all prison rules while maintaining order among the inmates.
- Monitored department spending to ensure it was in line with approved budgets.
- Verified accuracy of employee hours worked, pay rate changes, deductions, bonuses, and other payroll data.
Warden
Oklahoma Department of Corrections
Lexington, Oklahoma
09.2020 - 03.2021
- Hand-picked for a second term at Lexington Assessment and Reception Center as Warden starting September 2020.
- Accountable for overseeing operations of an adult correctional facility which included managing the Deputy Warden position as well as Human Resources and the Business Office. Additionally responsible for budget management and cultivating a culture of safety, security, professionalism, and ethical corrections.
Warden
Oklahoma Department of Corrections
Helena, Oklahoma
09.2018 - 09.2020
- Promoted to Warden at the James Crabtree Correctional Center in September 2018.
- Managed the complete operations of an adult correctional facility encompassing Deputy Warden roles along with Human Resources responsibilities.
- Supervised Business Office tasks, budget planning while cultivating a culture that prioritized safety-security measures alongside professional-ethical corrections.
Deputy Warden
Oklahoma Department of Corrections
Lexington, OK
07.2017 - 09.2018
- Managed Deputy Warden responsibilities including supervision of Chief of Security, Unit Managers, Classification department as well as Food Service, Medical department Personnel etc. Worked closely alongside the Warden to maintain a safe and secure correctional setting.
- Participated in weekly meetings with Warden and other senior staff members to discuss security issues.
- Assisted in developing new policies related to inmate rights or security procedures.
Assistant Warden
GEO Group - Lawton Correctional Facility
Lawton, Oklahoma
02.2011 - 10.2015
- Supervised the daily operations of the facility including housing units, recreation yards, dining halls, visitation areas.
- Reviewed incident reports submitted by staff members in order to identify trends or issues that need to be addressed.
- Provided guidance to staff regarding inmate behavior, safety protocols, and disciplinary actions.
- Collaborated with other departments within the prison system in order to coordinate resources or services needed by inmates.
Deputy Warden
Oklahoma Departmenrt of Corrections
Granite, OK
04.2006 - 02.2011
- Supervised security operations including Chief of Security, Housing Unit Managers, records and classification departments.
- Monitored correctional officers' performance, identified areas for improvement, and took corrective action when necessary.
- Provided guidance and training to correctional officers on operational procedures.
Contract Monitor Specialist
Oklahoma Department of Corrections
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
06.2004 - 04.2006
- Monitored medium security private prisons according to the Oklahoma Department of Corrections' private prison monitoring plan, conducting audits and working closely with facility staff to address any findings or contractual issues.
Correctional Officer
Oklahoma Department Of Corrections
Helena, OK
11.1990 - 06.2001
- Started at the James Crabtree Correctional Center in 1990, progressing to roles of increasing responsibility from C.O. to Sergeant, Lieutenant, and ultimately Captain.
- Became a Correctional Emergency Response Team (CERT) member in 1991 and served until March 2001.
- Served as an instructor for self-defense, chemical agents, electronic restraints, and PR-24 and straight baton techniques. Also participated in the ODOC Honor Guard and obtained Oklahoma CLEET certification.
- Held multiple roles within the organization, including Captain, facility CERT Commander, and eventually Unit Manager from February 2003 to June 2004.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership
Southern Nazarene University
Bethany, OK05-2000
Skills
- Workplace Safety
- Security Protocols
- Crisis Management
- Policy Enforcement
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Problem-solving abilities
- Team Leadership
- Analytical Thinking
- Professionalism
- Decision-Making
- Staff Training
- Organizational Skills
- Interpersonal Skills
- Cost Management
- Financial Forecasting
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Warden
New Mexico Corrections Department
07.2023 - Current
Warden
Oklahoma Department of Corrections
03.2021 - 06.2023
Warden
Oklahoma Department of Corrections
09.2020 - 03.2021
Warden
Oklahoma Department of Corrections
09.2018 - 09.2020
Deputy Warden
Oklahoma Department of Corrections
07.2017 - 09.2018
Assistant Warden
GEO Group - Lawton Correctional Facility
02.2011 - 10.2015
Deputy Warden
Oklahoma Departmenrt of Corrections
04.2006 - 02.2011
Contract Monitor Specialist
Oklahoma Department of Corrections
06.2004 - 04.2006
Correctional Officer
Oklahoma Department Of Corrections
11.1990 - 06.2001
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership
Southern Nazarene University
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