CCA Announces New Corporate Reorganization New General Counsel Also Named

December 20, 2000
NASHVILLE, Tenn., December 20, 2000 – Corrections Corporation of America (NYSE: CXW) today announced a new internal corporate reorganization that streamlines operational support for its 65 correctional institutions, as well as emphasizes quality assurance and exceeding customers’ expectations while continuing to maintain safe and secure facilities.

The reorganization segments the four key areas of the company: operations, business development, legal affairs and finance. Each of these divisions is headed by an executive vice president who reports directly to John Ferguson, CCA’s president and CEO. Vice presidents report directly to their respective executive vice president.

“The company’s focus continues to be to fill the available beds currently in our system, as well as to reduce costs,” said Ferguson. “The intent of this new reorganization is to provide a sound and strong infrastructure to meet those objectives with a management approach that focuses on quality service, customer needs and operational support. This is a relationship oriented business, and we intend to enhance both our internal and external relationships with this new structure.”

In the new structure, two new vice president positions were created: vice president, business analysis; and vice president, quality assurance/human resources.

In addition, Gus Puryear has joined the company as General Counsel. He will be responsible for overseeing customer contracts, inmate litigation and assist the company in addressing policy issues.

Most recently, Puryear served as legislative director and advisory counsel for U.S. Senator Bill Frist, where he worked on legislation and other policy matters. During that time, he also served as a debate advisor to Vice President-elect Dick Cheney. In addition, Puryear worked on the investigation of campaign finance abuses during the 1996 elections, which was chaired by U.S. Senator Fred Thompson.

“Gus is extremely intelligent and capable,” said Senator Frist. “I trusted his judgement and relied on him to handle a number of important and very sensitive issues. He had a bright future in Washington, but Nashville and CCA will benefit greatly from his return. While I regret losing him, I know that he will meet the challenges of this new endeavor.”

Prior to his Capitol Hill work, Puryear worked for Farris, Warfield & Kanaday of Nashville in the commercial litigation section. He also was a law clerk for the Honorable Rhesa Hawkins Barksdale, U.S. Circuit Judge for the Fifth Circuit in Jackson, Miss.

“We are delighted to have someone like Gus, with his background and credentials, join CCA to handle the legally challenging aspects of this business. We look forward to having Gus join our team.” said Ferguson.

Media: Susan Hart (615) 263-3104