CoreCivic Executive and Leadership Team

June, 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 correctional, detention, and reentry solutions, addressing critical needs within the justice system through innovative partnerships and comprehensive rehabilitation programs.

Leadership Roles at CoreCivic

  • Chief Executive Officer - Russell Harper
  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - John Ferguson
  • Chief Financial Officer - David Garfinkle
  • President & Chief Operating Officer - Patrick Swindle
  • 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 oversees the integration of CoreCivic's diverse service offerings, ensuring alignment with government partner needs and the company's mission to provide safe, secure, and effective correctional and detention management. This leadership role involves driving innovation across CoreCivic Safety, CoreCivic Community, and CoreCivic Properties segments. Harper's focus remains on enhancing rehabilitation and educational programs, such as basic education, life skills training, and substance abuse treatment, to combat recidivism. The Chief Executive Officer ensures the company's real estate solutions effectively support government operations. By maintaining strong relationships with public sector partners, Russell Harper solidifies CoreCivic's position as a vital provider of justice system infrastructure and services.

    John Ferguson - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    John Ferguson, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at CoreCivic, guides the strategic vision and corporate governance of the organization. Ferguson's dual role encompasses setting the long-term direction for CoreCivic's operations and ensuring robust oversight of its correctional, detention, and reentry facilities. This leadership involves championing the company's commitment to providing essential public services through partnership correctional facilities. Ferguson drives the expansion of solutions aimed at addressing America's recidivism crisis, emphasizing rehabilitation and educational programs. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer also oversees the company's government real estate solutions, ensuring efficient and effective property management. By fostering a culture of accountability and operational excellence, John Ferguson ensures CoreCivic consistently meets the needs of its government partners and contributes positively to public safety.

    David Garfinkle - Chief Financial Officer

    David Garfinkle, the Chief Financial Officer at CoreCivic, manages the company's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. Garfinkle directs all financial operations, including accounting, treasury, and investor relations, ensuring robust financial controls and reporting across CoreCivic's Safety, Community, and Properties segments. This critical role involves optimizing capital allocation to support the expansion of correctional, detention, and reentry facilities, as well as the development of rehabilitation and educational programs. The Chief Financial Officer plays a key part in evaluating new partnership opportunities and managing the financial aspects of government real estate solutions. By maintaining strong financial discipline and transparency, David Garfinkle supports CoreCivic's mission to provide essential public services while ensuring sustainable growth and shareholder value.
    David Garfinkle

    Patrick Swindle - President & Chief Operating Officer

    Patrick Swindle, the President & Chief Operating Officer at CoreCivic, oversees the day-to-day operational execution of the company's comprehensive service portfolio. Swindle directs the management of correctional, detention, and residential reentry facilities, ensuring the highest standards of safety, security, and care. This leadership position involves driving operational efficiencies across CoreCivic Safety and CoreCivic Community segments, focusing on the effective delivery of rehabilitation and educational programs designed to reduce recidivism. The President & Chief Operating Officer also collaborates on the strategic deployment of CoreCivic Properties' real estate solutions to meet government partner demands. By ensuring seamless operational integration and continuous improvement, Patrick Swindle upholds CoreCivic's commitment to providing reliable and effective solutions for the justice system.
    Patrick Swindle

    Brigham Sloan - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Brigham Sloan, the Chief Human Resources Officer at CoreCivic, leads the strategic development and execution of human capital initiatives across the organization. Sloan oversees all aspects of workforce management, including talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, benefits, and organizational development, ensuring a skilled and dedicated team supports CoreCivic's mission. This role is vital for attracting and retaining professionals who deliver essential correctional, detention, and reentry services. The Chief Human Resources Officer champions initiatives that foster a positive and productive work environment, supporting the delivery of rehabilitation and educational programs. Brigham Sloan ensures that human resources strategies align with the company's operational goals and commitment to public service, reinforcing CoreCivic's capacity to effectively serve government partners.
    Brigham Sloan

    Keith Ivens - Chief Medical Officer

    Keith Ivens, the Chief Medical Officer at CoreCivic, directs the provision of comprehensive healthcare services within the company's correctional, detention, and reentry facilities. Ivens oversees the development and implementation of medical protocols, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of patient care and regulatory compliance. This leadership role is crucial for managing the health and well-being of individuals under CoreCivic's care, addressing diverse medical needs and promoting positive health outcomes. The Chief Medical Officer collaborates with operational teams to integrate healthcare services seamlessly with rehabilitation and educational programs. By ensuring access to quality medical treatment, Keith Ivens supports CoreCivic's commitment to humane and effective correctional management and contributes to the overall mission of public safety.

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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 John Ferguson (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer) and David Garfinkle (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of CoreCivic’s executive team?
    The executive team of CoreCivic includes leaders such as Russell Harper (Chief Executive Officer), John Ferguson (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), David Garfinkle (Chief Financial 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, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President & Chief Operating Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer.