[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 106 (Friday, July 29, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1733]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     TRIBUTE TO COMMISSIONER DEVON BROWN--2005 BEST IN THE BUSINESS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 29, 2005

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to honor an 
extraordinary public servant, Commissioner Devon Brown, as he receives 
the ``2005 Best in the Business'' from the American Correctional 
Association. Mr. Brown has held the position of Commissioner of the New 
Jersey Department of Corrections since January 2002. His 
accomplishments in the field have not only shown his dedication but 
also have proven revolutionary.
  He once stated that, ``. . . criminal justice is in my blood.'' 
Hailing from a family replete of judges, lawyers and police and 
correctional officers, Commissioner Brown was, to some extent, destined 
to follow in his family's legacy. After obtaining a bachelor's degree 
from Morgan State University, he went on to earn two master's degrees 
in psychology and public administration. As another testament to his 
commitment, Mr. Brown earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of 
Maryland.
  Sometimes considered a maverick in the New Jersey Department of 
Corrections, Commissioner Brown has led in the implementation of 
programming that focused on educational enrichment and social 
responsibility. For example, he instituted the ``Stock Market Game'', 
which introduces inmates to the world of Wall Street and its role in 
the U.S. economy. By learning about financial markets and the 
management of one's investments, prisoners discover new methods of 
analysis and decision-making. In addition, inmates have had the 
opportunity to further their deductive reasoning by becoming champion 
chess players. In fact, many prisoners have competed and won against 
top collegiate teams. He has also introduced ``Shakespeare Behind 
Bars'' to the New Jersey Department of Corrections. This program, also 
used throughout the Nation's prison systems, allows the inmates to 
delve into relevant personal and social issues through art.
  Richard Stalder, President of the Association of State Correctional 
Administrators stated that, ``Despite highly formidable and oftentimes 
less than ideal circumstances, Commissioner Brown has remained focused, 
showing integrity, resourceful ingenuity and uncompromising commitment 
to excellence no matter how daunting the presenting challenge. Though 
his inspiration and unwavering resolve, he has advanced the profession 
and earned the New Jersey Department of Corrections a place among the 
most improved, progressively oriented, penal systems in the land.'' 
Therefore it is no surprise that Mr. Brown has also garnered many other 
awards besides the ``2005 Best in the Business. In 2004, the College of 
New Jersey honored him with the ``Gene Carte Memorial Award'' for his 
exemplary correctional leadership.
  Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues here in the House of 
Representatives to join me in honoring Commissioner Devon Brown, for 
being the recipient of the ``2005 Best in the Business'' as well as for 
his overall excellence and dedication to the field of corrections. A 
man who is not afraid to make the hard decisions or to stand up for the 
truth, Commissioner Brown exemplifies vision, professionalism and 
integrity. I am proud to have him as a dear friend and wish him never-
ending success in his future endeavors.

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