During the APPA Winter Training Institute, DCS leaders and subject-matter experts shared Georgia’ s experience, insights, and innovations through a series of courses focused on data, leadership, and workforce development.
Data Visualization in Community Corrections
Dr. Maria Stephenson, Director of Research and Data Services, and Brooke Gentry, Project Coordinator, showcased the transformative role of data visualization in community supervision. Their session demonstrated how DCS turns complex datasets into clear visual stories that help leaders identify trends, communicate effectively, and support strategic decision-making. Participants engaged in cross-state dialogue on how visual analytics can break down silos, enhance transparency, and strengthen partnerships— reinforcing data as a shared tool that informs policy and improves supervision practices nationwide.
Data Overload to Impact: KPIs for Organizational Wellness, Engagement, and Performance
A Dacade of Community Supervision
Dr. Nick Powell, Director of Strategic Planning and Analysis, highlighted Georgia’ s leadership in using data to strengthen both people and performance. The session reframed data as a strategic asset, illustrating how DCS leverages key performance indicators to better understand organizational wellness, employee engagement, and operational effectiveness. Through collaborative discussion, participants explored how Georgia’ s KPI framework supports informed decision-making at scale and empowers leaders to improve outcomes.
Staffing for Success: Winning the Talent War in the Modern Era
Deputy Commissioner of Operations Bert Flewellen and Executive Operations Director Shanta Porter shared Georgia’ s approach to addressing workforce recruitment and retention challenges in the post-COVID labor environment. Their presentation highlighted efforts to streamline workloads, strengthen officer wellness, and enhance retention strategies, supported by findings from a Deloitte workload study that identified opportunities to improve efficiency and increase time for meaningful supervision.
Retention is not just about hiring— it’ s about creating an environment where people feel supported, prepared, and valued. When we invest in our workforce, we strengthen the entire system of community supervision.
B E R T F L E W E L L E N D E P U T Y C O M M I S S I O N E R O F O P E R A T I O N S
26 | FY25