CoreCivic Appoints Patrick D. Swindle as CEO, Damon Hininger to Resign

CoreCivic announces the appointment of Patrick D. Swindle as CEO, effective January 1, 2026, succeeding Damon T. Hininger. Swindle has been President and Chief Operating Officer since January 2025, bringing over 18 years of industry experience. Hininger will resign from the Board and Swindle will fill the vacancy. Swindle has led the Company's operations department and activated idle facilities, positioning CoreCivic for growth and future success.

CoreCivic, Inc. has announced the appointment of Patrick D. Swindle as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective January 1, 2026. Damon T. Hininger, the current CEO, will step down and serve as a Special Advisor to the CEO and Chairman of the Board from January 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027 [1].

Swindle, who has been the President and Chief Operating Officer since January 2025, brings over 18 years of industry experience to the role. He will succeed Hininger, who has led CoreCivic for several years. Hininger's resignation from the Board and Swindle's appointment to fill the vacancy were announced on August 18, 2025 [1].

Under Swindle's leadership, CoreCivic has made significant strides in activating idle facilities and positioning the company for growth and future success. His extensive experience in the industry and his proven track record in operational management make him an ideal candidate to lead CoreCivic into its next phase of development [1].

The transition agreement between Hininger and CoreCivic outlines the terms of Hininger's service as a Special Advisor during the transition period. Hininger will continue to receive his current annual base salary and will be entitled to receive 100% of his 2026 annual cash bonus, subject to performance criteria [1].

Swindle's annual base salary for the fiscal year beginning on January 1, 2026, will be $900,000. He will also receive a short-term cash incentive compensation target of 132% of his base salary, based on the achievement of performance goals, and a long-term equity incentive grant of restricted stock units valued at $2,502,000 [1].

The appointment of Swindle as CEO is part of CoreCivic's strategic plan to ensure a smooth transition of executive leadership and to continue its growth trajectory. The company has expressed confidence in Swindle's ability to lead the organization effectively and to drive its long-term success [1].

References:
[1] https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1070985/000119312525182677/d63509d8k.htm