Throughout the day at the Wyoming State Penitentiary, there is one thing corrections officials have learned to count on: the smile of Ken Kennedy.

“Ken Kennedy exemplifies what we would like to see in every corrections officer,” says Warden Scott Abbott. “He's always happy, no matter where he's working or what he's doing. He doesn't get frustrated with the inmate population. He's a steady guy. Wherever, whenever, we need help – he's willing.”

Behind Kennedy's cheerful disposition is a career as a seasoned corrections employee. Serving at the Wyoming Department of Corrections (DOC) for almost 20 years, Kennedy has worked in a number of positions, from corrections officer to associate warden.

“He is somebody that picks up the ball whenever someone drops it,” says Abbott. “He has a willingness to go to various units and just fit right in. That's one of the most solid things about him as an employee.”

In honor of his hard work, the DOC recently named Kennedy as the state penitentiary's 2005 Employee of the Year. Kennedy, who was previously voted Employee of the Month for the DOC, and then named Employee of the Quarter, Kennedy was selected by his colleagues as Employee of the Year because of his dedication to corrections.

It's obvious that when it comes to corrections, Kennedy has specific goals in mind – for himself, and the inmates he helps.

“As a caseworker, I think you have to have a certain mindset,” Kennedy says. “You have to set goals for these individuals, these inmates. If you don't, you won't accomplish anything and you'll burn out in a very short period of time. I try to stay positive and if anyone needs help, I'll always try to lend a hand.”

The Corrections Connection recently spoke with Kennedy about his award and his goals in case management.

Q: Did you plan to go into corrections?

Kennedy: I was always aware the corrections field existed, obviously, but until I applied for a job at the DOC I had never really thought about it before. I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Wyoming. Then, I ended up applying for a job in corrections and I started out as a case worker. After about seven or eight years of that, I was promoted to case work Team Leader. Shortly after that, I was promoted to Associate Warden.

Then I started to have health problems, so I resigned. During my time away from the corrections field, I served as mayor for two terms in a small town here in Wyoming, and then I served as a judge.

But I missed working in corrections. So I came back to the field and started working as a case worker again after my health improved.

Q: What do you like about corrections?

Kennedy: I like knowing exactly where everyone is at all times; I like that things usually run really tightly. I like the scheduling aspect, as well.

More than anything, I like that I have a hands-on job; I have contact with these inmates. I always want to know about inmates. Of course, I read their files, and I know what they've done – but until I talk to them and we've made an exchange, I don't feel like I've done enough to help them.

Q: What do you keep in mind when working with inmates?

Kennedy: Through the years, I've seen quite a bit in corrections. I've been around during inmate murders and staff murders, but I try to retain a constant, happy outlook. I try to stay positive.

In terms of the inmates, I think if you can make [an offender] think about the consequences of their behavior, you're doing your job and you're doing a good thing. I think you have to try and change thinking patterns. Before anything can happen, they have to accept responsibility for their actions. Once they do that, there is a change that I can't really describe, but it's an obvious change. Their thought process changes after that.

I try to help inmates look at what they're doing – if I see someone doing something wrong, or headed in the wrong direction, I'll certainly try to help and stop that.

Mostly, I go with my gut instincts. I obviously stay within the framework of our regulations, but I also use my common sense in any situation. That's a key part of corrections.

Q: What do you do when you're not at work?

Kennedy: Well, I'm a 4H leader in 4H sports. I'm also involved in ranching; we live on our family ranch. That keeps me just about as busy as I care to be.

I also try to stay involved in my community; after serving as a mayor and judge, I also worked on the city counsel. I think it's important to be involved with the community.

Q: How did it feel when you were named Employee of the Year?

Kennedy: I was completely stunned. To be honest, I never expected it. I was surprised to win Employee of the Month and Employee of the Quarter – but Employee of the Year was something else.

I don't know if I can adequately describe the feeling. It inspires me, certainly, to continue to work hard in corrections. I work with great people; my supervisors and co-workers are just wonderful and I cannot say enough about them.

I have to thank everyone for their support – they have helped so much with my personal and professional development. And in particular, I'd like to thank my wife for her support.