Colonel Parrish has built one of the finest jails systems in the United States with the dedicated efforts of each of you and the many who have come before you. I spoke with him at length Monday morning and I shared with him the tremendous sense of honor I feel in following him in this new role. The Colonel shared with me his love for this department and for all of you who make up Detention Services. My commitment to him was to continue to build upon your many achievements and to lead us on a path of continued progression.

Human nature often dictates that change must be stressful, unnerving and worrisome, and I am conscious of that fact as we move forward together. I also believe that change can be good, it can be healthy, and it can foster positive outcomes when we allow for the possibilities brought about by new ideas. In time there may be operational matters or other things that merit examination, but for now I will go about the monumental task of understanding this system and allow it to continue to work in the effective manner it always has.

In the coming weeks I intend to hold a series of meetings to allow you the opportunity to learn more about me, but more importantly for me to learn more about you. I am interested in hearing what you have to say - good and bad, and giving you a means to tell me what matters most to you. Communication is the key to successful organizations and lack of communication is the downfall of the rest. I don’t believe in an “open door” policy, instead I subscribe to a “stop me when you see me” policy - and make no mistake, you will see me. I promise that!

Finally, there will be some who question my appointment and credentials for this assignment and I am completely comfortable with such scrutiny. All I ask from each of you, though, is for the opportunity to earn your respect and confidence. Judge me not by others’ words, by rumors, or by innuendo, but instead by the manner in which I lead and by the way I conduct myself toward you.

I have long held the belief that the greatest gift of leadership comes not from personal satisfaction when one reaches the top, but instead from the feeling of seeing the many others you’ve brought with you on the journey. I am honored be a part of the Department of Detention Services and thankful for the opportunity Sheriff Gee has given me to lead each of you.