April 20, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Chris Gautz
(517) 256-3790
Lansing, Mich.- Jessica Leski is the Michigan Department of Corrections’ 2022 Candice L. Dunn Parole/Probation Agent of the Year for her willingness to assist those in need as well as her outstanding case management skills.
“Agent Leski’s commitment to the department and those she supervises is admirable,” Michigan Department of Corrections Director Heidi Washington said. “Her positivity, professionalism and willingness to go above and beyond have not only had a positive impact on those she supervises, but also on the Department as a whole. It is an honor to congratulate Agent Leski on being named the Department’s 2022 Candice L. Dunn Agent of the Year.”
Leski, who began her career with the MDOC 15 years ago, works in a single agent office and is responsible for the entire Oscoda County parole and probation caseload.
Leski is selflessly committed to the needs of others. When neighboring counties needed assistance Leski, without hesitation, began helping three different counties write presentencing investigations all while maintaining her own caseload. She is a volunteer for the Cary Guides and openly embraces new management techniques.
Leski also serves as a mentor to both her colleagues and those she supervises. Both new agents and seasoned staff seek Leski’s advice. Discharged offenders routinely call Leski to ask questions and for life advice. Offenders both past and present view Leski as someone who cares and wants the best for them.
“It’s humbling to be named the 2022 Candice L. Dunn Agent of the Year,” said Leski. “I’m someone who comes to work to do a good job, to receive this recognition is truly an honor”
The award was named to honor the legacy of Candice L. Dunn, who was an Oakland County probation agent and was the department’s 2017 Parole/Probation Agent of the Year. She was killed in a car accident the night she was recognized for the achievement at an MDOC Employee Appreciation Banquet.
Other nominees for Parole/Probation Agent of the Year included: Macomb County Probation Agent Chris Campbell; Jackson County Parole Agent Ryan DeForest; Barry County Parole and Probation Agent Cindy Hamlin; Wayne County Parole Agent Theresa Kryzak; Genesee County Parole Agent Mark McDowell; Calhoun County Probation Agent Valeri Patterson; Clinton County Parole and Probation Agent Charlotte Prochazka; Wayne County Lahser Probation Agent Carmen Williams; and Oakland County Pontiac Probation Agent Shannon Wilson.
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