Nebraska’s Governor Pete Ricketts honored 10 NDCS teammates with one of the state’s highest honors, the Excellence in Leadership award. One of those honorees was Licensed Psychologist Brandon Hollister.

Hollister first came to NDCS in 2012 as an intern at the Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP) while he was still in graduate school. He appreciated the good, hands-on experience he received through the internship so much so, when he graduated, he applied to become full-time at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution (TSCI).

“I enjoyed doing the evaluations and running the groups at NSP,” said Hollister. “It gave me a good idea of how the agency works and how to do treatment for incarcerated individuals.”

Since coming to TSCI, Hollister has been impressed by the facility’s mental health staff. The group has doubled in numbers from six to 12 since 2016. “It’s a good team,” said Hollister.

Together, they are increasing programming and treatment to the population including Outpatient Sex Offender Program (oHeLP), Violence Reduction Program (VRP), anger management and mental health groups. They have added 15 programs since 2016.

“The addition of these programs really speak to all of what we are accomplishing in mental health at TSCI,” said Hollister. “It shows we are changing things in the right direction and accomplishing the things we want to.”

Congratulations on your Excellence of Leadership award!