Accreditation Made Easy

#23: Built to Last: Accreditation Leadership with Areaka Jewell


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Episode Description:


In this special crossover episode of Accreditation Made Easy, host Areaka Jewell shares her recent appearance on the Beyond the Checklist podcast by the National Association for Accreditation Leadership. From her start in Key West PD to founding the Accreditation Academy, Areaka talks with Kevin Rhea about real-life experiences that shape successful accreditation. Learn how to build sustainable systems, train your team, and create momentum that lasts.


๐Ÿ• Timestamps & Topics Covered:

1:43 โ€“ Welcome and guest intro

2:30 โ€“ Areaka shares how she fell into accreditation and turned it into a calling

4:29 โ€“ The value of strong policies and sustainable systems

5:28 โ€“ Gaining buy-in from command staff despite rank differences

6:38 โ€“ Common challenges faced by accreditation managers

8:08 โ€“ Moving beyond checkbox compliance

9:54 โ€“ Getting support from leadership

11:45 โ€“ Keeping policies current and realistic

15:19 โ€“ What a high-functioning accredited agency feels like on-site

17:54 โ€“ Real-world red flags from assessments

20:34 โ€“ The importance of professional certifications in accreditation

21:56 โ€“ Making accreditation a formal leadership track

23:34 โ€“ The future of accreditation in public safety

25:15 โ€“ Advice for new accreditation professionals

27:11 โ€“ Resources to build confidence and community

29:30 โ€“ Lightning Round:

  • Favorite assessment site?
  • Most underrated standard?
  • Report writing marathon song?
  • Coffee or energy drink?

33:45 โ€“ Closing thoughts: It's not about the checklistโ€”it's about the people


Free Download: Accreditation Manager Starter Kit


๐Ÿ”— Connect with Kevin
  • ๐Ÿ’ผ LinkedIn
  • ๐ŸŒNational Association for Accreditation Leadership (NAAL)
  • ๐ŸŽงBeyond the Checklist podcast

Connect with Areaka

๐Ÿ™‹โ€โ™€๏ธ Digital Business Card

๐ŸŒ Website

๐Ÿ”— LinkedIn

๐Ÿ“˜ Facebook

๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram
๐ŸŽง Want to Be a Guest on the Show?

Know someone doing great things in the accreditation worldโ€”or want to share your own insights? Weโ€™re always looking for experienced Accreditation Managers, assessors, and change-makers to join us on the podcast. Sign up to be a guest or share with a colleague

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Accreditation Made EasyBy Areaka Jewell