CoreCivic Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

CoreCivic has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, human resources, and medical services.

Driven by a commitment to public service, CoreCivic provides essential government services through corrections and detention management, a network of residential reentry centers, and government real estate solutions, aiming to address recidivism and support community well-being.

Leadership Roles at CoreCivic

  • Chief Executive Officer - Russell Harper
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Patrick Swindle
  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - John Ferguson
  • Chief Financial Officer - David Garfinkle
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Brigham Sloan
  • Chief Medical Officer - Keith Ivens
  • Russell Harper - Chief Executive Officer

    Russell Harper, the Chief Executive Officer at CoreCivic, directs the company's overarching strategy and operational execution. Harper guides the organization's mission to provide government partners with effective corrections and detention management, alongside innovative reentry solutions. This leadership role involves ensuring CoreCivic's facilities offer robust rehabilitation and educational programs, including basic education, life skills training, and substance abuse treatment, all aimed at reducing recidivism. Harper's focus extends to maintaining strong relationships with government agencies and stakeholders, ensuring the company's services align with public needs and contribute positively to community safety. The Chief Executive Officer's mandate includes driving operational efficiency across all segments: CoreCivic Safety, CoreCivic Community, and CoreCivic Properties, thereby solidifying CoreCivic's position as a key provider of public services.

    Patrick Swindle - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Patrick Swindle, the President & Chief Executive Officer at CoreCivic, spearheads the company's strategic vision and daily operations. Swindle oversees the delivery of comprehensive solutions to government partners, encompassing corrections and detention management, residential reentry centers, and real estate services. This executive's responsibilities include fostering an environment that supports rehabilitation and educational programs, such as basic education, faith-based services, life skills, employment training, and substance abuse treatment, all critical to addressing America's recidivism crisis. Patrick Swindle's leadership ensures the effective management of CoreCivic's diverse portfolio of correctional, detention, and reentry facilities, as well as its properties for lease. The President & Chief Executive Officer's role is pivotal in driving the company's commitment to public service and operational excellence across its CoreCivic Safety, CoreCivic Community, and CoreCivic Properties segments.
    Patrick Swindle

    John Ferguson - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    John Ferguson, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at CoreCivic, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the organization. Ferguson's role involves guiding CoreCivic's mission to deliver essential services to government partners, including corrections and detention management, a network of residential reentry centers, and government real estate solutions. This leadership position is responsible for ensuring the company's facilities offer comprehensive rehabilitation and educational programs, such as basic education, life skills, employment training, and substance abuse treatment, all designed to combat recidivism. John Ferguson's oversight extends to the operational performance of CoreCivic's correctional, detention, and reentry facilities, as well as its property leasing operations. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer's strategic guidance is fundamental to maintaining CoreCivic's commitment to public service and its role in addressing critical societal needs.

    David Garfinkle - Chief Financial Officer

    David Garfinkle, the Chief Financial Officer at CoreCivic, directs all financial operations and strategic financial planning for the company. Garfinkle's responsibilities include managing the company's fiscal health, overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting across CoreCivic's diverse segments: CoreCivic Safety, CoreCivic Community, and CoreCivic Properties. This executive plays a critical role in securing the financial resources necessary to support the company's mission of providing effective corrections, detention management, and reentry solutions to government partners. David Garfinkle's financial acumen is essential for evaluating investment opportunities, optimizing capital allocation, and ensuring compliance with all financial regulations. The Chief Financial Officer's strategic insights guide decisions related to operational expansion, program development, and the overall financial sustainability of CoreCivic's services.
    David Garfinkle

    Brigham Sloan - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Brigham Sloan, the Chief Human Resources Officer at CoreCivic, leads all human capital strategies and initiatives for the organization. Sloan oversees talent acquisition, employee development, compensation and benefits, and employee relations across CoreCivic's extensive network of facilities and operations. This executive's focus is on cultivating a skilled and dedicated workforce essential for delivering high-quality corrections, detention management, and reentry services. Brigham Sloan is instrumental in developing and implementing HR policies that support the company's commitment to rehabilitation and educational programs, ensuring a positive and productive work environment for all employees. The Chief Human Resources Officer's strategic approach to human resources management is vital for attracting and retaining talent, fostering employee engagement, and ensuring operational continuity across CoreCivic Safety, CoreCivic Community, and CoreCivic Properties.
    Brigham Sloan

    Keith Ivens - Chief Medical Officer

    Keith Ivens, the Chief Medical Officer at CoreCivic, oversees the provision of comprehensive healthcare services within the company's correctional, detention, and residential reentry facilities. Ivens directs the development and implementation of healthcare policies and protocols, ensuring that all medical services meet stringent quality standards and regulatory requirements. This executive's role is critical in supporting the overall well-being of individuals under CoreCivic's care, integrating healthcare with rehabilitation and educational programs. Keith Ivens collaborates with facility leadership and external healthcare providers to ensure access to necessary medical, dental, and mental health services, contributing to the company's mission of providing holistic support. The Chief Medical Officer's expertise is vital for managing public health initiatives and addressing the unique healthcare needs within the corrections system.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding CoreCivic Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads CoreCivic?
    CoreCivic is led by Russell Harper (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Patrick Swindle (President & Chief Executive Officer) and John Ferguson (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of CoreCivic’s executive team?
    The executive team of CoreCivic includes leaders such as Russell Harper (Chief Executive Officer), Patrick Swindle (President & Chief Executive Officer), John Ferguson (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does CoreCivic have?
    CoreCivic has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in CoreCivic’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of CoreCivic includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer.