Brannon is IDOC district Employee of the Year

Brad Brannon, horticulture instructor at Vandalia Correctional Center, has been selected as “Employee of the Year” for the Central District of the Illinois Department of Corrections. Brannon was presented with his award in April at the Central District inservice held at Decatur Correctional Center.
The announcement was made by IDOC Vocational Coordinator Kathleen Mattingly.
“Brad has always demonstrated a daily positive demeanor with his students, fellow staff and administration, as well within the Vandalia community as well.
“He is and has always been dedicated to keeping his students abreast of new techniques and industry changes in order to better prepare them for employment post-release.
“Brad has implemented one of the finest composting programs and works daily in conjunction with the VCC dietary department to formulate a tremendous savings for trash disposal, which ultimately results in a budget savings for VCC,” Mattingly said.
“He has been selected on numerous occasions to perform presentations at Vocational statewide inservices and guests rto VCC, as well as to his fellow peers.
“He strives for quality performance from his students and sets high expectations for completion. He hosts a large plant sale each year at VCC that creates additional funding for his program the following year.
“Brad and his students designed and implemented a unique landscape project last year at the Vandalia equine barn for the grand opening.
"This was truly remarkable as it was completed in a very short time frame,” Mattingly said.
“This is just one example of his ability to demonstrate essential skills needed for employment.
“He is always willing to assist staff and administration in their requests for beautification of any area at Vandalia CC for special meetings, conference, graduation and summits,” she said.