FMC Rochester

On Wednesday morning, Senior Deputy Regional Director Eric Williams texted to let me know he was ready to head to FMC Rochester. We planned to leave at 6:00 a.m. so we could arrive in time for the morning presentation—and then make the long drive north to Duluth that afternoon.

When I stepped out of the hotel, I saw his vehicle already pulled up to the front entrance, engine running, warm and ready. He greeted me with his usual professionalism and quiet optimism, setting the tone for another day on the road.

Leadership that Shows Up

That simple act—being early, prepared, and focused—stood out in a week that revealed what true leadership looks like. The federal government was in the midst of a budget shutdown, with nearly 900,000 federal employees reporting to work without pay. Yet, throughout this trip, Eric never once mentioned the inconvenience. He didn’t just show up—he led.

He exemplified the qualities that define an “A player.” Regardless of his title or position, Eric approaches every assignment with discipline, pride, and a determination to over-deliver. He woke early, stayed late, and made sure to show his support for every staff member in every institution on our route. While we drove, I listened as he fielded numerous calls to coach others on his team.

Traveling with him reminded me that leadership thrives when team members see consistency, humility, and service. Those same values form the foundation of the Prison Professors message: to pursue excellence, regardless of circumstance. In every presentation, I make promises to the people in the audience, including, “I’ll never ask anyone to do anything that I didn’t do and that I’m not still doing.” I admired the Senior Deputy Regional Director because he exemplified the leadership traits that I saw from so many others.

A Warm Welcome at FMC Rochester

When we arrived at FMC Rochester, Executive Assistant Stephonne Wilson welcomed Eric with a warm embrace, reflecting the camaraderie and mutual respect that define the Bureau’s best teams. After I cleared security, she led us to a conference room where we met Warden Eric Rardin, along with Captain Jeremy Hess and Lieutenant Zachary Reicks.

This visit marked my second presentation at FMC Rochester, but it carried a new level of significance because Eric’s presence authenticated our mission. His endorsement demonstrated to staff that our nonprofit’s work aligns with the Bureau’s broader goals—advancing rehabilitation, strengthening morale, and preparing people for successful reentry.

The Mission of a Medical Center

As we spoke, I learned more about Rochester’s unique identity within the Bureau. As a Federal Medical Center, it houses individuals of all security levels, serving those with serious medical and mental health needs. Warden Rardin and his team emphasized that, despite this complexity, the institution maintains a remarkably stable culture—operating with professionalism, empathy, and purpose.

The last time I visited, the compound was covered in snow. This time, the blue skies and warm weather revealed Rochester’s natural beauty. We walked past green lawns and colorful flowers before entering the chapel, where the first presentation would take place.

Earning Trust, Inspiring Growth

The chapel was packed—standing room only. I later learned that Warden Rardin had placed the men on callout, meaning they were required to attend. Some arrived hesitant or skeptical, unsure what to expect.

I welcomed the challenge. My purpose wasn’t to preach—it was to connect. Over the course of two hours, we built trust, transforming the energy in the room from quiet observation to open engagement. I invited several participants to the front for “Shark Tank–style” exercises, where they pitched their personal strategies for becoming extraordinary and compelling.

In the afternoon, I led a second presentation in the cafeteria. The enthusiasm carried over—proof that the message of self-directed reentry preparation resonates when people see that it’s real, achievable, and supported by leadership.

Partnership and Progress

I’m especially grateful to Reentry Affairs Coordinator Sarah Bergman, who has facilitated the Prison Professors program at FMC Rochester for more than two years. She continues to be an invaluable partner in ensuring people have access to our books, courses, and the Prison Professors Talent platform. I pledged to give her additional resources to help expand the program even further.

By the time we left Rochester, our dashboard showed more than 2,700 active participants building profiles through our system—a milestone that demonstrates measurable progress toward our goal of 10,000 engaged individuals.

Advancing the Vision: Pursuing Excellence

Every presentation reinforces our shared mission: to help people in custody document their growth, reduce disciplinary infractions, and strengthen their candidacy for earned freedom through merit.

I’m deeply grateful to Deputy Director Josh Smith, Regional Director Andy Matevousian, Senior Deputy Regional Director Eric Williams, and Warden Eric Rardin for allowing Prison Professors to be part of the Bureau’s ongoing commitment to “Pursuing Excellence.”

Through these collaborations, we are proving that preparation and accountability are the real foundations of reform—and that extraordinary and compelling stories begin with people who decide to lead, even in difficult times.

Dedication Beyond the Workday

Following our presentation, Eric Williams once again showed what commitment to excellence looks like. After we left the institution, we drove roughly four hours north to Duluth, preparing for the next day’s presentation. We had started the day at 6:00 a.m. and didn’t check into our hotel until after 7:00 that evening.

When he noticed that I had been coughing, Eric laughed when he said he was giving me a “direct order,” using the words that I used to hear while I was in prison. He told me to go straight to my room and rest. He then went back out into the cold, drove to a local Walgreens, bought cold medication and delivered it to my door.

That simple act of kindness reflected more than courtesy—it embodied servant leadership. Eric models professionalism, doing everything within his power to show that we all share a common humanity. I’m deeply grateful for his consideration, and for the example he sets for everyone striving to pursue excellence, both inside and outside the Bureau of Prisons.

‍