Beverly Smith Named Director's Award Winner

Field Operations Administration (FOA) Deputy Regional Administrator Beverly Smith was recognized with the Director's Award for Professional Excellence last week. Ms. Smith was recognized specifically for her ability to manage the case activity of some of Michigan's highest profile cases. In one case, Ms. Smith provided daily input including interaction with the judge, prosecutors and defense counsel; coordination of supervision activities with probation staff in Michigan and another supervising state, ensuring all reports were completed; testifying in court regarding the case; and dealing with restitution issues related to the case. She made herself available 24/7 for any issues that needed to be addressed. Ms. Smith handled the case professionally, exercising discretion and ensuring that the offender was treated fairly while the Department was seen in a positive light.

Ms. Smith started her career with the Department in 1987 as a probation agent in Wayne County.  She advanced steadily in her career, holding positions in FOA as a supervisor, area manager and currently as deputy regional administrator. Her assignments have included Lahser District Probation, Special Services, Chrysler District Probation, Court Services, Southwest Probation, Washtenaw County Probation/Parole, and Outer District Parole. She is currently in charge of the largest parole office in the state - Lawton Parole, supervising over 4,000 parolees and delivering specialized services including electronic monitoring, polygraph examinations, transportation, sex offender GPS supervision, mental health supervision, and SAI supervision.

Ms. Smith is an outstanding leader who possesses many of the best qualities in a successful leader. She is thoughtful, trustworthy, honest, intelligent, and compassionate, and she has a high degree of integrity. She demonstrates these traits on a daily basis in her interactions with staff, court employees, social service agencies, law enforcement, community partners and offenders. She has been an active participant in the FOA Metro Region Diversity Committee and in 2003, she was selected to participate in the MDOC's Leadership Academy. She is also active in the new supervisor/manager committee, recommending training that enhances the skills of incoming supervisory staff.

Through her leadership, diligence and ability to effectively manage even the highest profile cases under her supervision, Beverly Smith has earned the Director's Award for Professional Excellence. Congratulations again to Deputy Regional Administrator Beverly Smith on her recognition. It is well deserved. If you know Ms. Smith, please congratulate her.