Join us for A Night of Excellence

About the Gala

The National Corrections Gala: A Night of Excellence is a prestigious black-tie event presented by the National Corrections Excellence Council (NCEC). Held on March 20, 2027, in San Antonio, Texas, the gala honors outstanding leadership, service, and professionalism within the corrections community. The evening brings together correctional professionals, leaders, and supporters from across the nation to celebrate excellence and elevate the profession.

Program Overview

The National Corrections Gala features a formal, thoughtfully curated program designed to honor excellence, leadership, and service within the corrections profession. The evening blends recognition, reflection, and celebration in a respectful black-tie setting.

The program will include opening remarks, a formal dinner service, national award presentations, and featured remarks highlighting the impact and advancement of corrections professionals across the country. The evening concludes with closing acknowledgements and an opportunity for continued connection among guests.

Event Details

Date: March 20, 2027

Venue: TBD

Location: San Antonio, Texas

Dress Code: Black Tie (Strictly Enforced)

The National Corrections Gala is an elegant evening designed to reflect the professionalism and prestige of the corrections community.

Tickets and Tables

Guests may attend the National Corrections Gala through individual ticket purchases or by reserving a table. Ticket and table options provide an opportunity to participate in an evening of recognition, celebration, and national unity within the corrections profession. Purchasing available soon

$150 per person/$280 per couple

Reserve tickets now (pay later)

Correction Professionals Awards Nominations

Honoring Excellence Behind the Walls

The National Corrections Excellence Council (NCEC) is proud to recognize the extraordinary men and women who serve in correctional facilities across the nation. Every day, corrections professionals demonstrate courage, leadership, integrity, and unwavering dedication to safety and rehabilitation.

We invite you to nominate a corrections professional who exemplifies excellence in service and commitment to the profession.

This is more than an award — it is national recognition for those who often go unseen but never go unappreciated.

Award Categories

Nominations are now open for the following categories:

Officer of the Year
Leadership Excellence Award
Rookie of the Year Award
Valor & Bravery Award
Excellence in Professionalism Award
Staff Member of the Year (Non Officer)

Eligbility Requirements

To be eligible for nomination:

•Nominee must he currently employed by a correction facility

•Nominee must be in good standing with their agency

•Nominee must demonstrate good conduct, professionalism and integrity

What You Will Need To Submit

•Nominee’s full name

•Rank/Title

•Facility’s Name

•Years of service

•Nominator’s name and contact information

•Brief detail statement describing why nominee deserves this award

Important Dates

Nomination Deadline: December 31, 2026

Finalists announced: TBD

Award Ceremony: March 20, 2027

Submit Your Nomination

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorship of the National Corrections Gala offers organizations a meaningful opportunity to support excellence within the corrections profession while gaining national visibility and recognition. Sponsors play a vital role in honoring correctional professionals and advancing NCEC’s mission. Sponsorship packages are available at various levels and include recognition before, during, and after the event.

Why Sponsor the National Corrections Gala

Sponsorship of the National Corrections Gala, presented by the National Corrections Excellence Council (NCEC), provides organizations with a unique opportunity to:

Support and honor correctional professionals nationwide
Gain high-visibility brand recognition among leaders, decision-makers, and public officials
Demonstrate commitment to excellence, service, and public safety
Build relationships with executives, policymakers, and industry partners

Hotel and Accommodations

Guests are encouraged to make travel and lodging arrangements early.

Hotel accommodations, parking information, and travel details will be provided as they become available. Special reservation link will be available soon for guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the event open to the public?

Event is for correctional professionals and their guest.

What is the dress code?

Black Tie attire is required.

How do I nominate someone for an award?

Nominations can be submitted through the Nomination section of this website.

Leadership and Governance

The National Corrections Excellence Council (NCEC) is led by experienced professionals committed to advancing excellence, professionalism, and recognition within the corrections field. Our leadership provides strategic direction, governance, and oversight to ensure NCEC fulfills its mission with integrity, transparency, and impact.

Executive Leadership

Matthew Hunter

Executive Director / Board Chair

As Executive Director, Matthew Hunter provides overall leadership and strategic vision for the National Corrections Excellence Council. He oversees organizational operations, partnerships, and initiatives, including the National Corrections Gala, ensuring alignment with NCEC’s mission to honor and elevate correctional professionals nationwide.

Lawanda Pryor

Deputy Director / Vice Chair

The Deputy Director supports executive leadership and assists in guiding organizational strategy and operations. In this role, Lawanda Pryor plays a key part in leadership continuity, governance support, and advancing NCEC’s mission and national initiatives.

Jenna Saylor

Marketing Director

As Marketing Director she leads the council’s marketing, branding and communications efforts nationwide. She oversees digital content, social media, event promotion and strategic outreach to increase engagement and visibility for the NCEC initiatives, including the National Corrections Gala.

Shawn Solomon

Social Media Engagement Coordinator

As the Social Media Engagment Coordinator he helps promote the event across social media platforms, sharing update, announcements that highlights the mission of the National Corrections Excellence Council. His efforts helps increase awareness, encourage community engagement, and supports the recognition of the corrections professionals leading up to the gala.