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Lakeland Correctional Facility's Donna Houtz has been named the 2009 Michigan Department of Corrections Officer of the Year. Officer Houtz is a leader, role model, and innovator at the facility. She is always willing to help others and volunteers to train staff. She has worked on several different programs to help streamline procedures and enhance efficiency.
Houtz started her career with the department in 1990 at Central Complex in Jackson. She transferred to the Adrian correctional facilities where she was promoted to the position of Resident Unit Officer (RUO).
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2009 Officer of the Year
Donna Houtz
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As an RUO, Houtz trained important programs like "Thinking for a Change," Substance Abuse, Collaborative Case Management, and Leadership. She was invited to participate in the mentoring program for new employees as well.
In 2002, Officer Houtz transferred to Lakeland Correctional Facility in Coldwater. As an RUO at Lakeland, her attention to detail, dedication, and professionalism is appreciated by staff and prisoners. In 2005, she came to the aid of a prisoner who needed CPR.
She delivered medical aid until health care professionals arrived on the scene, earning the MDOC's Lifesaving Award for her actions.
Continuing her efforts to improve the work area, Houtz helped develop an orientation packet for prisoners new to the facility. She was instrumental in establishing the Voluntary Behavior Development Unit - a housing unit designed to deliver various group therapies as well as individual skill-based training for prisoners.
In July of 2008, Houtz accepted the role of acting Assistant Resident Unit Supervisor (ARUS) within the housing unit. She supervises six staff and provides services to 140 prisoners.
In her personal life, Houtz is involved in sporting events for the local community. She is married with two adult children and two grandchildren.
In her own words, Officer Houtz describes what being a finalist for Officer of the Year means to her:
"I was surprised when I found out that I had been selected as Officer of the Year for Lakeland Correctional Facility. I felt proud when I realized that my coworkers valued my job performance to the degree that I would be considered for this recognition. When I found out I was a finalist for MDOC Officer of the Year, I was speechless. I think of myself as an employee who enjoys her job and always gives 100%.
"I don't think of what I do on a daily basis as extraordinary or worthy of award. While never truly realizing that my professionalism and job performance and accomplishments were anything above normal, I would like to thank everyone who supported me and this recognition for Officer of the Year."
Michigan Department of Corrections - FYI Newsletter March 26, 2009
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