Community Corrections Supervisor Tracy Zabel has received an award recognizing her work to advance the field of Corrections.
Zabel is this year’s Jack Young Excellence in Corrections Award winner. The award, named for Young, a former St, Louis County probation officer who later served as commissioner of Minnesota’s Department of Corrections, was announced during the Minnesota Association of Community Corrections Act Counties conference held Sept. 24-26.
The award is given to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the development and improvement of Community Corrections in Minnesota.
“I’m truly honored to accept this prestigious award and to be recognized for work that provides a strong sense of purpose. A heartfelt thank you to my manager, Angela Brewer, for the nomination, her leadership, her support and for creating an environment that allows staff to make an impact,” said Zabel, who’s worked in the field for 25 years, 13 with Rice County.
“Additionally, this recognition belongs to our entire team. The dedication and compassion of our team is what makes our work possible; I’m grateful to be part of such a committed group. The work we do matters. Helping clients reduce risk and create positive change isn’t always easy, but it is incredibly meaningful. Each success story is a reminder that change is possible given the right support and opportunity. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together and excited for what’s ahead.”
In her nomination, Community Corrections Manager Angela Brewer called Zabel “an incredible leader” who’s impacted a variety of work areas and initiatives -- locally and across the state -- that move evidence-based practices, interventions and equitable services in the field forward.
Brewer also praised the innovative, thoughtful and creative ways Zabel connects staff to the department’s mission, instilling in them a commitment to holding clients accountable and protecting the community while promoting compassion for clients to help them build skills and make sustainable change to improve the quality of life for themselves, their families and county residents.
“Through her leadership, mentorship, and support of staff,” Brewer said, “Tracy has moved forward our mission to reduce barriers to client success and improve the quality of life for all residents in Rice County.”
