Rutherford County, TN - Rutherford County Correctional Work Center Superintendent William Cope accepted the 2024 Patrick Mahoney Leadership Award from the National Association of Reentry Professionals (NARP) on Monday, April 15. 

The Patrick Mahoney Leadership Award is the highest decoration awarded to recognize an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the reentry field. 

The annual NARP Conference was held in Franklin, Tennessee, from April 14 to 17. The conference aims to explore existing resources and identify effective systems to support individuals re-entering society after incarceration. With a focus on understanding the challenges and barriers faced by this demographic, participants engaged in insightful discussions and workshops to foster solutions and strategies to break the cycle of re-incarceration.

NARP Executive Director and Founder Rosetta Taylor, MHA, BSW, said, “Superintendent Cope, through your unwavering commitment to fostering positive change and creating opportunities for those reintegrating into society, you have emerged as a beacon of inspiration.”

Cope said, “I’m honored to receive this award, but a leader is only as good as his team, and I know that our team is one of the best in the nation. Our Reentry team works seamlessly with our Security team to provide the best services for those in our care. I’m so proud of the work they do.” 

Mayor Joe Carr said, “ I extend my congratulations to Superintendent Cope on receiving this prestigious award and look forward to his continued exemplary service to our county.“   

More information about the Rutherford County Correctional Work Center can be found HERE.