Preserving the Spirit of the Compact: Recognizing Extraordinary Contributions

Assistant Program Director

It is my pleasure to nominate Blair Hofeldt for the Spirit of the Compact Award. Ms. Hofeldt works in the field as an Assistant Program Director in the Lincoln Community Supervision Services (Parole) Office, and in the past has carried a caseload when there were vacancies to be filled. However, she is also considered a member of the Compact Office staff since she assists the Compact Office. As such, she is assigned the role of Compact Office in ICOTS and is a Co-Administrator. She often assists in reviewing Incoming Transfer Requests from other states and delegating them to supervisors to be assigned for investigation and reviews Outgoing Transfer Requests when needed. She also serves as the Acting Deputy Compact Administrator so has been authorized to handle Compact workload activities to ensure timely submittals when I am out of the office. She is not new to assisting the Compact Office as she assisted several years prior to her current position and recently indicated her willingness to assist the Compact Office again when the Specialized Parole Officer who had been assisting needed to step back due to vacancies in the Omaha (Parole) Office. She, alongside myself and the agency’s Hearing Officer, conduct training for new Parole Officers, Assistant Parole Officers, supervisors, and other staff in the Compact Rules and just recently assisted us in conducting training on the new Rule Amendments that went into effect 4-1-2026. Ms. Hofeldt continues to serve on the work group that was implemented some years ago to develop checklists and flow charts on the Compact processes. She was also instrumental in helping to transition the hardcopy version of the Staff Desk Reference into an online version on our division’s internal SharePoint site. As part of a special leadership project a few years ago, she also developed “Snag It” videos that were posted to SharePoint, which demonstrate for staff how to do specific activities in ICOTS. She is a “go to” person in the field when issues arise due to her experience in working with the Compact Office for several years.

Ms. Hofeldt continues to expand her knowledge of the Rules and understands the importance of meeting Compact Rule deadlines. Recently we received an expedited Request for Reporting Instructions from another state for a sex offender who had been residing with family in Nebraska due to being given 2 years’ probation to the court requiring no direct supervision but upon completion still had a 10-year Special Sentence parole to complete. In checking with the sending state further about this sex offender case, the individual had been ordered to return to that state until the residence plan to family in Nebraska could be approved; however, it was learned he was staying in a hotel awaiting the decision. When I contacted Ms. Hofeldt about this case and explained the circumstances, she immediately began doing a preliminary check of the location utilizing online maps to see if it was within 500 feet of any school, daycare, park, and other places frequented by children. She learned it was potentially too close to a daycare, so some additional investigation of the location needed to be completed. The request was received the day before Nebraska’s Arbor Day holiday and due to the individual residing in a hotel I indicated it would be appreciated if we could have the investigation completed within 1 to 2 days upon return from the holiday rather than the 5 business days allowed by Compact Rule. Working with a new officer who was assigned the investigation, Ms. Hofeldt provided instruction on how such expedited requests are handled. It was determined the location was unacceptable and the request was denied, having been completed on the 2nd day following return from the holiday. The sending state was informed if another address could be identified to submit so it could be reviewed. A new request was received and assigned to the same officer. Approval of the request was able to be submitted within 2 business days of the new plan being assigned for investigation. Ms. Hofeldt was pivotal in making this happen.

Ms. Hofeldt’s commitment to the work of the Compact and to working in the best interest of the client to resolve issues is demonstrated by the example given. She takes charge when needed and motivates those with whom she works. She cares and it shows! I also know that when I am out of the office, she can be relied upon to reach out to other states to resolve issues that arise. She is most deserving of recognition for the Spirit of the Compact Award for going above and beyond to ensure the desired outcome. In this particular instance, the action taken to ensure completion of both investigations quickly potentially saved the client and/or the client's family several hundred dollars in hotel expenses. Your consideration of this nomination is appreciated.

Nominated By: Sally Reinhardt-Stewart

Judith Cole-Senior Assistant Hennepin County Attorney and Zachary Bruce- Hennepin County Sheriff's Office- Deputy Extradition Unit

Judy has made it a priority to keep up to date on all interstate compact rules and regularly communicates with the compact office on out of state cases to ensure that compact rules are followed. She has also brought the Hennepin County Sheriff's Extradition Unit, specifically Deputy Bruce, to the table to discuss any cases prior to transport or other decision making steps. Because of the proactive measures that both Ms. Cole and Deputy Bruce have made to contact the compact office and discuss cases, there has been an excellent relationship made between all of our agencies. They both contact the compact office regularly to confirm compact status and make arrangements per compact rules. Deputy Bruce contacts the compact office prior to making transportation plans to ensure that PC has been found first and the client is available for retaking. Ms. Cole has also sought out training for her agency and has connected people together to share information and knowledge. Hennepin is a very populated county and one of our largest users, and the relationship Ms. Cole has established with everyone ensures that compact rules and procedures are followed on every case. We appreicate both her and Deputy Bruce's willingness to communicate, be proactive and provide excellent services to the population we serve. We cannot thank them enough for their partnership. I would like to nominate both together as they have become a united team in Hennepin County. Deputy Bruce email is: zachary.bruce@hennepin.us

Nominated By: Tracy Hudrlik

Assistant Probation Officer

I am honored to nominate Katie Birdwell, Assistant Probation Officer for Nebraska's second-largest probation district, for the ICAOS Spirit of the Compact Award. Katie consistently exemplifies the principles of collaboration, public safety, professionalism, and service that are at the heart of the Interstate Compact.
Katie has transformed the interstate compact process within her district by developing comprehensive checklists and procedures for investigation officers. These tools have created a seamless and consistent approach to handling interstate cases, ensuring that critical steps are completed accurately and efficiently. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence have improved both compliance and communication throughout the district.
Recognizing the importance of thorough investigations, Katie personally participates in every home visit involving an interstate transfer case. Her direct involvement helps ensure accurate assessments, strengthens community safety, and provides valuable support to officers navigating complex transfer situations.
Katie has also implemented a practice of substance testing all incoming clients once reporting instructions are approved, regardless of whether Nebraska ultimately accepts supervision of the case. This proactive approach demonstrates her commitment to public safety and accountability while providing important information early in the transfer process.
Beyond her operational contributions, Katie is deeply committed to serving clients and their families. She takes the time to identify barriers that may impact successful supervision, including transportation challenges, housing concerns, and access to treatment or community resources. She works diligently to connect individuals with local services and support systems that increase their likelihood of success.
Katie's collaborative spirit extends to her relationships with community stakeholders. She works closely with local county attorney offices and other partners on cases transferring out of Nebraska, ensuring all parties are informed and engaged throughout the process. Her professionalism and willingness to foster strong partnerships reflect the cooperative spirit that makes the Interstate Compact successful.
Katie's dedication, initiative, and unwavering commitment to both public safety and client success embody the true Spirit of the Compact. Through her leadership, innovation, and collaboration, she has strengthened interstate compact operations within her district and serves as an outstanding example of what this award represents.
For these reasons, I wholeheartedly nominate Katie Birdwell for the Spirit of the Compact Award.

Nominated By: Susan Penner

Interstate Compact Coordinator

I am pleased to nominate Khris Nunnery for the Spirit of the Compact recognition. Recently, while assisting a supervised individual with questions about his transfer, he spoke with great appreciation for Ms. Nunnery and the extraordinary support she had provided him. He described her as approachable and responsive, as she helped him understand the steps required for him to be able to transfer his supervision.

Ms. Nunnery went above and beyond her responsibilities, offering clarity, reassurance, and compassion at a time when it was most needed. Her actions not only made a difference for this individual but also demonstrate how one person’s dedication can inspire confidence in the Compact. Congratulations to Ms. Nunnery and the Oregon Compact Office for setting such a high standard of service through the work of their staff!

Nominated By: Ashley Lippert