AWEC President Dr. Wendy Williams and the Executive Committee are pleased to announce the 2026 Legacy Award is presented to Rob Jeffreys. AWEC annually presents the Legacy Award to an outstanding professional who has supported the development and contributions of senior and executive women in corrections.
Throughout his distinguished career in the field of corrections, Rob Jeffreys has exemplified the values and mission of AWEC-demonstrating exceptional leadership, mentorship, integrity, and a lifelong commitment to advancing women in our profession.
Rob Jeffreys is a nationally recognized criminal justice leader who has led reforms to improve prison safety, reduce restrictive housing, and strengthen reentry outcomes. As Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections, he created a dedicated Reentry Division, reduced the restrictive housing population by 40%, and implemented population management strategies that helped Illinois reach its lowest prison population since 1991. Throughout his career, he has championed the use of research, data, and evidence-based practices to drive measurable improvements across correctional systems.
Mr. Jeffreys currently serves as Director of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS), Past-President of the Correctional Leaders Association, and a board member of the International Corrections and Prisons Association. Since assuming leadership of NDCS in 2023, he has advanced innovative reentry initiatives and strengthened partnerships among government agencies, community organizations, employers, and other stakeholders to support successful reintegration and improve public safety.
Before leading correctional systems in Illinois and Nebraska, Mr. Jeffreys held several executive leadership positions with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, including Chief of Staff, Regional Director, Bureau Chief, and Warden. These roles provided extensive experience in institutional operations, policy development, population management, and organizational leadership.
In addition to his agency leadership responsibilities, Mr. Jeffreys has served as a consultant and trainer for the U.S. Department of Justice, the Crime and Justice Institute, and The Moss Group. Through this work, he has helped correctional agencies advance policy objectives, strengthen organizational performance, and implement effective programs and practices.
Mr. Jeffreys holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Criminal Justice, with a concentration in Correctional Administration, from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia.
Please join us in congratulating Rob Jeffreys on being the 2026 Legacy Awardee.