AWEC President Pelicia Hall and the Executive Committee are pleased to announce Tammy Ferguson the 2024 Susan M. Hunter award recipient. Susan M. Hunter devised this award to recognize women who mentor, promote, and develop women in the corrections field.
Tammy has been an active member of AWEC serving on the Board of Directors and as Co-Chair of the Emerging Executive Committee. Tammy spent 28 years with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. Tammy started her career in 1995 as a Corrections Officer Trainee with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. She progressed into positions of greater impact and influence to include positions such as Major/Chief of Security, Deputy Superintendent, Superintendent, Regional Deputy Secretary and eventually retiring as the second in command, the Executive Deputy Secretary.
Tammy graduated from the Pennsylvania Leadership Development Institute in 2013. She served in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard as a Medical Service Specialist and in the United States Air Force as a Traffic Management Supervisor.
Here are some quotes from her letters of recommendation for this award:
“One of her greatest qualities is her ability to see the best in everyone. She truly believes in second chances for both staff and those incarcerated. People admired her direct, no-nonsense approach and that is what made her so relatable to both staff and individuals in our custody. In addition, she has a great sense of humor that just draws people to her.”
“Tammy Ferguson embodies the qualities of Susan Hunter. Her work in AWEC’s E-2 program shows her commitment and dedication to enhancing the personal and professional growth of rising female stars in corrections. In addition, she regularly mentored staff under her supervision throughout her career offering her knowledge and expertise.”
“Her advice, her voice of reason, and simply her example of rising to the top through perseverance, grit, and determination, are how Tammy Ferguson makes an impact on everyone who is fortunate to know her. “
“Tammy is a dynamic leader who made her climb on the ladder of success one rung at a time, she willingly shares her collective knowledge, experiences, and lessons learned to support the continued growth and promotion of women both in and out of uniform. She’s a mentor to many simply by her professional demeanor, contagious personality, and unwavering willingness to listen and encourage anyone, any time, and anywhere. She’s an avid supporter of the “underdog” and is relentless in honoring her commitment to stand up for what is right. She demonstrates by her behavior that it is ok to be a woman in this male-dominant field of corrections. “
Please join us in congratulating Tammy Ferguson as the 2024 Susan Hunter Awardee