Appointments and Promotions, Awards and Appreciation

New leadership takes helm at Kern Valley State Prison

July 31, 2024

From left are Chief Deputy Warden Ruben Carriedo, CEO Fred Beyerlein, and acting Warden Pat Horn.

Kern Valley State Prison’s new leadership team has a message to staff: Collaboration and teamwork equals success. The new chief executive officer (CEO) and warden come with years of experience.

Fred Beyerlein, the CEO at North Kern State Prison, and Pat Horn, acting warden of Wasco State Prison-Reception Center, were teamed up to assume leadership responsibilities at Kern Valley State Prison.

Collaboration, teamwork equal formula for success

Both leaders bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to their specific disciplines but took time to convey their message of collaboration and teamwork.

That message was proclaimed and put on full display at the recent gathering with Kern Valley’s executive staff. There, corrections and medical staff were invited to a gathering featuring the most successful and proven way to collaborate – food.

As staff prepared a meal with a Hawaiian theme, camaraderie was evident.

Kern Valley leadership grateful for staff dedication

Kern Valley’s Level IV mission has always naturally created a high sense of camaraderie among staff due to the nature of the dynamic work environment.

Beyerlein and Horn expressed their gratitude to staff for the warm welcome they received at Kern Valley. But, most importantly, both leaders reminded the group of their collective goals.

These goals include keeping the Kern Valley State Prison team collaborating and working together while continuing the cohesiveness among staff. They also reiterated the mission of providing safety, security, accessible health care and rehabilitation to the incarcerated population.

This gathering was the first step with the new warden and CEO in team building.

A similar message was given by the late Henry Ford: “If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.”

This was the message both leaders communicated to staff.

By Lt. John Melvin
Kern Valley State Prison

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