Saluted for Outstanding Service

CCA's Vicki Hinkle Awarded for Workforce Development Efforts

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Hinkle with Steve Hendrickson, Director, Government Relations at Boeing Corporation and Chairman, Governor's Council for Workforce Development and Natalie Shirley, Commerce and Tourism Secretary

What if you could help people across your community build a better future for themselves and their families?

For Vicki Hinkle, Human Resource Director and Public Information Officer at North Fork Correctional Facility, it’s more than a notion. She serves as Chairperson of the Southwest Oklahoma Workforce Investment Board, which supports initiatives to develop the local workforce, and she recently received a distinguished honor for her work.

As a result of her commitment to the community, Hinkle was recently honored as Outstanding Business Leader of the Year for the region of Oklahoma where she serves. Hinkle is one of 11 recipients of the award from all regions across the state.

“It’s about helping people make something of themselves,” Hinkle says. “We help citizens gain education and skills in order to find work. We oversee programs throughout western Oklahoma.”

The Board’s work is best evidenced by the lives it touches, Hinkle says. “There was a homeless 16-year-old boy not in high school and we helped him earn his GED, enroll in college and get some occupational training assistance.”

“Vicki was nominated because of her enthusiasm and desire to assist employers other than her own in the arena of workforce development,” says Kathie Price, Executive Director of the Southwest Workforce Investment Board, who submitted the nomination form. “Her big-picture thinking is what the state of Oklahoma needs in order for its workforce development efforts to be successful.”

“It’s a tremendous honor,” says Hinkle, who joined the Board nearly four years ago and has served as Chair for almost two. “It certainly helps that my warden is very supportive of this role.”

Jack Garner, Managing Director, Operations (Division IV), Fred Figueroa, Warden at North Fork, and other facility leaders showed their support by attending the awards ceremony held at the State Capitol.

“The combination of her desire to be involved in the community and her people skills certainly played a role in her winning the award,” says Figueroa. “We’re very proud of her and this accomplishment.”

Numerous guest speakers appeared at the ceremony, including Joseph Warren, Regional Administrator for Employment and Training from the U.S. Department of Labor. Hinkle received a framed certificate for her work and she continues to make a difference in the lives of people across her community.

“The best part of serving on the Board is meeting different people, making connections and knowing that it benefits all the people in the southwest region,” Hinkle says. “There’s no limit to what the workforce can do.”

By DeAndra Mack

Sound Out

Lisa Cecil at Facility Support Center:

I met Vicki over 10 years ago and found her to be one of the sweetest and most genuine people I have ever met. She's been a rock to the Northfork facility as it has lost/changed contracts over the years. I am not at all surprised she has been bestowed with this honor. Congratulations Vicki!

Case Manager Dorothy Booker at North Georgia Detention Center:

My dear sweet Mrs Hinkle She was my First Human Resource Manager when I came into CCA family net She was truly a blessing then and she's still being a blessing Now. You have set the standard Once again Congratulations on such a Wonderful accomplishment Count it all Joy May God continue to Give you Favor in Your Job Accomplishments , in Your Family and anything you set to accomplish... Be Bless

Sandi Day at North Fork Correctional Facility:

Vicki and I were in the same Acadamy in 1997 and are still here in 2oo9 we worked together when Northfork was without inmates for 2 1/2 years during that time we became very close she is an excellent Human Resource Director she is also a very caring and understanding person and a very close friend Congratulations Vicki you deserve it!!!

Michael Spieker at North Fork Correctional Facility:

Congratulations, Vicki Hinkle, they could not have chosen a harder working person. She is an excellent Human Resources Manager, and her services doesn't stop there. She commits so much time to volunteer service, I don't see where she gets all the energy. From Chamber of Commerce President, School Board, Southwest Oklahoma Workforce Board, and the list goes on. We at NFCF are extremely lucky to have her. Thank You Vicki and Congratulations.

Kathy Miller at Facility Support Center:

Vicki is a very special person. From the moment I met her at the first HR conference in 2003, I found a friend for life. She has a glow about her, and a zest for life. We are fortunate to have her as one of our top HR Managers. You deserve this recognition Vicki!

Linda Sevison at Idaho Correctional Center:

North Fork is very fortunate to have Vicki at their facility. Her quiet, soft-spoken manner often belies the heart of a tiger when she becomes passionate about something. I met her when we both attended PIO training earlier this year and I was very impressed with her people skills. She's a great asset to CCA!