Lisa Kinard, a correctional programs administrator for the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC), was nationally recognized by the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) with the Joe Kegans’ Award for Victim Services in Probation and Parole.
The award is presented to an individual who provides exemplary services to victims of crime.
“Ms. Kinard consistently displays exceptional leadership and service to victims,” said FDC Assistant Secretary Joe Winkler on Tuesday. “She has worked tirelessly to provide service to victims for more than 34 years. Lisa is passionate about the work she does and the rights and safety of victims. She has been an advocate about matters not only on a statewide basis but also on a national scale. For all these exceptional acts and so much more, Ms. Lisa Kinard is deserving of this recognition.”
The Joe Kegans’ Award is named after the late Judge Joe Kegans, a founding member of APPA’s Victim Issues Committee, who devoted her career as a jurist to bettering the lives of those impacted by crime. The award honors community corrections professionals and volunteers who have personally experienced criminal victimization and have used that experience to help others.
The APPA is a membership organization serving community corrections professionals. The APPA supports thousands of passionate members throughout the United States and Canada, as well as other countries actively involved in strengthening community corrections work.
Kinard began her public service career with FDC in 1987. As chief victim advocate, she expanded the Victim Services Unit by applying for a grant-funded position to fulfill unmet services needed for victims of crime in Florida. Kinard acts as the direct contact for victims in capital punishment cases at the time of the final fulfillment of the sentence, ensuring that victims are properly represented and supported during the process. Kinard assisted with the expansion of Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) that streamlines the notification process for victims. In 2019, Kinard assisted in the development of processes for Florida’s implementation of Amendment 6 to ensure that FDC honors the rights outlined in Marsy’s Law.