TDCJ News

TDCJ Announces 2026 Governor’s Volunteer Awards Honorees

April 17, 2026

Twenty-three exceptional individuals and organizations from across Texas were recognized for the significant and lasting impact they made on the lives of incarcerated individuals, returning citizens, and communities across Texas at the 31st Annual Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards Ceremony on Day, April 17, 2026.

The awards were presented by the Texas Board of Criminal Justice (TBCJ), the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Office of the Governor at a ceremony in Austin.

“The strength of our state is best showcased by the selfless actions individual Texans make every single day,” said Governor Abbott. “Each individual honored today has displayed a true servant’s heart and inspire us to be kind, generous, and helpful to one another. I congratulate all awardees for their deserved recognition, and I thank them for helping their fellow Texans restore their future.”

“TDCJ and the Windham School District cannot carry out alone the mission of changing lives among those incarcerated in Texas prisons,” TBCJ Chairman Eric Nichols said. “These outstanding volunteers recognized today represent the tens of thousands of volunteers working across the State every day to offer hope, guidance, and opportunity to those rebuilding their futures.”

“The commitment of our volunteers is nothing short of inspiring. Their contributions expand opportunities for personal growth, transform lives and help build safer communities,” TDCJ Executive Director Bobby Lumpkin said.

The following honorees were recognized at the ceremony:

The Simpson Family, Chaplaincy Department Award
Dina Verhaalen, Correctional Institutions Division Award
Jefrey Lane, Nancy Hees Parole Division Award
Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter, Reentry Services Award
Ronnie Tally, Religious Service Award
Cobert J. Gonez, Chaplaincy and Volunteer Services Division Award
Shawn Wright, Rehabilitation Treatment Award
Dr. Phillip Keiser, Health Services Division Award
Shannon Bledsoe-Hathorne, Pathfinder Award Victim Services
John Harrell, Judy Burd Award Windham School District
Families in Crisis, Inc. People’s Choice Award
Kenton & Priscilla Pate, Restorative Justice Award
Katrina Harris, Susan Cranford Female Offender Program Award
Grief Support Group, Most Innovative Program Award
The Salvation Army, Community Service Award
Jeff & Sheila Smith, Best Family Program Award
Everett Rutherford, Leonard Davis Award for Most Hours Served
Jeffrey Felts, Extensive Travel Award
Eric Broughton, TDCJ Employee Volunteer Award
Warden Kevin Smith, Criminal Justice Administrator Award
Eugeniu Valcu, Judge Carroll Wilborn, Jr. Award
Grove Norwood, Lifetime Service Award
Paul Micheli, Carol Vance Volunteer of the Year Award

The Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards were created in 1995 through collaborative efforts between the Office of Governor George W. Bush and the Texas Board of Criminal Justice (TBCJ). These awards are designated to honor volunteers who have made an outstanding contribution to the mission of TDCJ – to provide public safety, promote positive change in offender behavior, reintegrate offenders into society, and assist victims of crime. The presentation of these awards has become a time-honored tradition and a highlight for the TBCJ and the TDCJ.