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Damon Hininger on criminal justice

From Damon Hininger - A Leaders Vision · March 03, 2026 · Rutherford County GOP

“The vast majority of people in prison are going to come back on our communities. Wouldn't we be well served so when they come out they could be gainfully employed, they can provide for themselves and their family, and they can give back to society — that is a tremendous investment ... making sure they're not coming back in the criminal justice system.”

Damon Hininger

Chief Executive Officer & Director, CORECIVIC INC

criminal justicereentryrecidivismpublic policy

On March 03, 2026, Damon Hininger, Chief Executive Officer & Director at CORECIVIC INC, spoke about criminal justice during Damon Hininger - A Leaders Vision on Rutherford County GOP.

Watch on YouTube at 4:26

Damon Hininger - A Leaders Vision

March 08, 2026 Rutherford County GOP

Watch on YouTube at 4:26

In this episode, we sit down with Damon Hininger, the former CEO of CoreCivic, one of the largest government-solutions companies in the United States focused on corrections, detention, and reentry services. Damon shares insights from more than 30 years in the criminal justice system, starting his career as a correctional officer and eventually serving as President, COO, and CEO of the company. During this conversation, we discuss: • The realities of the American criminal justice system • Leadership lessons from running a major public company • The importance of family and personal values in leadership • Challenges and misconceptions surrounding corrections and rehabilitation • What the future may look like for criminal justice reform in Tennessee and across the country Damon also reflects on the responsibility leaders have to serve the public and how thoughtful policy, accountability, and strong families can play a role in reducing crime and helping people rebuild their lives. If you care about public safety, leadership, and the future of Tennessee, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Subscribe for more conversations with leaders shaping our communities, business, and government.

About Damon Hininger

Chief Executive Officer & Director · CORECIVIC INC

Damon Hininger, CEO of CoreCivic, has discussed the company's financial performance and strategic priorities in recent earnings calls and investor presentations. On the Q3 2025 earnings call, Hininger described the company's outlook as "breathtaking," citing expected record revenue of $2.5 billion and an annual EBITDA run rate over $450 million for 2026. He stated that the company plans to execute an "aggressive buyback plan" in the coming quarter, arguing that the current stock price reflects a "misalignment" with operating performance. Hininger also noted that CoreCivic has informed ICE of approximately 24,000 available beds, which he described as "the most humane, most efficient logistically" and having "the highest audit compliance scores." In a 2026 podcast appearance, Hininger discussed his career in the criminal justice system, which began as a correctional officer. He stated that "the vast majority of people in prison are going to come back on our communities" and argued for investments in education and vocational training to reduce recidivism. Hininger said CoreCivic has set targeted goals for educational attainment and has worked with state labor departments to align training with workforce needs. He also referenced political pressure to cancel ICE contracts, stating that critics have said, "If you guys will cut — cancel all your contracts with ICE, we'll continue to bank you."

Profile compiled from Damon Hininger's verified public interviews and appearances. See all quotes & transcripts →