The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) has named Senior Warden Adam R. Gonzales as the Warden of the Year in Texas. The award was presented to Gonzales at the 2023 Senior Warden Leadership Forum.

The TDCJ is a state agency responsible for overseeing and managing all state correctional facilities, including state prisons and jails, as well as private correctional facilities that have contracts with the state of Texas, according to its official website.

As stated in an article on the TDCJ website, each year the department convenes for the Senior Warden Leadership Forum where regional directors nominate wardens based on their leadership skills, vision, statistical performance, and mentorship abilities.

The same article reveals that Gonzales has been serving TDCJ for 25 years. He began his career at TDCJ as a correctional officer and gradually ascended through the ranks of the agency, holding positions such as sergeant, lieutenant, captain, major, and assistant warden. In 2017, he earned his associate degree in applied science in criminal justice with honors from Ashworth University.

Lonnie "L.E." Townsend, Region V director was quoted saying,"Under Gonzales' leadership, the Clements Unit became the first unit in TDCJ to implement an Earned Incentive Housing Area. This unique housing area rewards inmates with outstanding behavior and provides motivation for others to strive for positive change."

Upon receiving this prestigious award, Gonzales expressed his gratitude saying,"I was truly honored and overwhelmed with emotions on being announced the 2023 Warden of the Year. As I was presented the award, I could only think of the countless staff who made this acknowledgement happen. I was grateful to my loving wife for supporting me in my career and the mentors who invested in me over the years."