Preserving the Spirit of the Compact: Recognizing Extraordinary Contributions
Preserving the “Spirit of the Compact" is a fundamental aspect of the Commission’s mission to serve communities, improve outcomes and ensure public safety. This statement encompasses the dedication to go beyond conventional expectations using innovative solutions to benefit the greater good. The Spirit of the Compact is present when individuals demonstrate exceptional service that surpasses the requirements and norms of their respective positions.
Their invaluable efforts have led to:
Enhanced Collaboration: These individuals have demonstrated exceptional teamwork, actively engaging with their colleagues and counterparts. They foster open dialogue and have contributed significantly to the Commission’s mission.
Innovative Problem-Solving: Through their resourcefulness and innovative thinking, they have found unique solutions to complex challenges. Their efforts paved the way for improved practices and enhanced outcomes.
Exemplary Leadership: These individuals have demonstrated exemplary leadership qualities by taking charge when needed and motivating those around them. They lead by example and possess a strong commitment to preserving the integrity of the Compact and the individuals it serves.
Acknowledging these unsung heroes is crucial not only for recognizing their efforts but also for inspiring others to strive for excellence within their roles. If you know of someone who, in a specific instance, exhibited exceptional dedication and effort beyond the requirements of their role, we encourage you to share their story with us.
Please use the Spirt of the Compact Nomination Form to provide brief details of the event or situation that highlights the individual's extraordinary service. Nominations are welcome from any member of the ICAOS community.
(The Commission will recognize one individual nominated in the year at the Annual Business Meeting. Their travel and attendance at the ABM will be covered by the Commission. Additionally, selected nominations may be featured in the Commission’s newsletter and other publications dedicated to promoting best practices within the compact community.)
Nomination criteria:
The person being nominated must be a field officer, Compact Office staff member or stakeholder. (Commissioners and DCAs are not eligible.)
Written justification that focuses on a particular instance where the nominee went “above and beyond to reach the best solution” including contributions that support the nomination.
Recent Recognitions
Donna Reed
Donna Reed
Compact Office member - Probation
I have had the privilege of working with Donna Reed for a number of years now through our respective Compact Offices. Donna is my lead point of contact with the Massachusetts Probation Interstate Office as the Probation DCA is regularly tasked to other duties outside of the Compact. Donna is always ready and willing to assist with issues that arise on cases. She continually has a terrific attitude and is truly the "knowledge base" for Interstate Compact matters within Massachusetts Probation.
I want to highlight one (of many) incidents where Donna graciously dropped what she was working on to assist me and Maine Probation Officers.
On December 12, 2024, Maine Probation Officers were sent to a court outside of Boston to extradite a client, wanted on a Maine Interstate Probation warrant. The client was on probation for Domestic Violence Assault and had absconded over 2 years previous. The Officers were fully credentialed and had all required paperwork with them. Upon appearing in the courtroom, the Judge told the Maine Probation Officers that she was not going to release the client to their custody as her experience was that only the Maine State Police extradited clients on Maine warrants. The Maine Probation Officers advised the Judge that they have extradited numerous clients on Probation warrants over the years and that Maine Probation does in fact extradite its own clients, not the Maine State Police. The Judge passed on the case and continued with the docket list.
The Judge revisited this case 1 hour 45 minutes later at the end of the docket list, stated that she needed to research the matter, and adjourned the Courtroom. At that time, one of the Maine Probation Officers called me up to advise what was transpiring in the Court. The Officer further advised that they believed the Judge was not going to allow them to extradite the client based on everything they witnessed in the Courtroom. Once I had the information, I hung up and called Donna to inform of the situation. Donna listened to the information I provided and told me she would contact the Court to advise them that the Maine Probation Officers had the right under Compact Rules to extradite the client.
In less than 20 minutes, Donna had made contact with Massachusetts Probation Officers based in the Courthouse. She explained the situation and what she needed the Massachusetts Probation Officers to do. One of those Officers went into the Judge's chamber to advise that the Maine Probation Officers were legally allowed to be the State of Maine's representatives to return the client to Maine. The Judge appeared on the bench again shortly thereafter and allowed the Maine Probation Officer to take possession of the client to return him to Maine.
This outcome was only obtained by Donna Reed being willing to drop what she was doing and work on finding a remedy to a problem that was unfolding. Through her willingness to do this, Maine Probation was able to leave with the client and not waste a day of travel to Massachusetts without bringing the client back. A dangerous client was safely returned to Maine and remanded to custody to await further probation violation proceedings. This was all due to Donna's willingness to assist. This is one of many examples that I experience regularly with Donna. She is always one to help and solve issues and this helps to make the Compact run as efficiently as possible between our states. I am appreciative of Donna's dedication to the Interstate Compact and of her continually trying to do the right thing when dealing with Compact matters.
Nominated By: Denis Clark
Khris Nunnery
Khris Nunnery
Interstate Compact Coordinator
I am pleased to nominate Khris Nunnery for the Spirit of the Compact recognition. Recently, while assisting a supervised individual with questions about his transfer, he spoke with great appreciation for Ms. Nunnery and the extraordinary support she had provided him. He described her as approachable and responsive, as she helped him understand the steps required for him to be able to transfer his supervision.
Ms. Nunnery went above and beyond her responsibilities, offering clarity, reassurance, and compassion at a time when it was most needed. Her actions not only made a difference for this individual but also demonstrate how one person’s dedication can inspire confidence in the Compact. Congratulations to Ms. Nunnery and the Oregon Compact Office for setting such a high standard of service through the work of their staff!
Nominated By: Ashley Lippert