A New Day for CCA

Reception Commemorates Ferguson's and Hininger’s Transitions

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John and Damon congratulate one another

As John Ferguson, now company Chairman, passed the baton to new Chief Executive Officer Damon Hininger, colleagues gathered in the Jack Massey Conference Room at the Facility Support Center to share in the moment.

“This is a red-letter day,” said Tom Beasley, company co-founder. He added that at one of the company’s toughest times, “the best thing we did was hire John Ferguson. His integrity is the number one reason he became CEO.”

T. Don Hutto, company co-founder, also recognized Ferguson’s many contributions to CCA. “Each one of us who works for the company today owes our jobs to John Ferguson,” he said.

Attendees viewed a video presentation in which employees across the company shared memories and congratulatory remarks for Ferguson’s retirement.

“I can’t express any better what the employees said in this video,” Hininger said. “Your impact has been so dramatic at such a critical time that we can’t thank you enough.”

Ferguson returned the kind words of his colleagues.

“I love each and every one of you,” he said. “You have a great leader and a great company. I know you are all here to celebrate my retirement and you did a good job of that, but I’m here to celebrate your future.”

Employees also honored Hininger as he officially assumed his new role as CEO.

“I can’t tell you what a warm feeling it gives me to see this company function as the very best in the entire industry - public or private,” said Beasley. “What John and the Board have done in naming Damon as John’s successor is just as heart-warming. I believe the transition will be seamless.”

“We know that there are big shoes to fill and you’re the man to do it, Damon” added Louise Grant, Vice President, Marketing & Communications. “It’s a great new day for CCA.”

Check out video footage of the reception on InsideCCA's homepage.*

By DeAndra Mack