Accreditation Made Easy

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.


πŸ• Timestamps & Topics Covered:

01:43 – Welcome and guest intro

02:30 – Areaka shares how she fell into accreditation and turned it into a calling

04:29 – The value of strong policies and sustainable systems

05:28 – Gaining buy-in from command staff despite rank differences

06:38 – Common challenges faced by accreditation managers

08:08 – Moving beyond checkbox compliance

09:54 – Getting support from leadership

11:45 – Keeping policies current and realistic

15:19 – What a high-functioning accredited agency feels like on-site

17:54 – Real-world red flags from assessments

20:34 – The importance of professional certifications in accreditation

21:56 – Making accreditation a formal leadership track

23:34 – The future of accreditation in public safety

25:15 – Advice for new accreditation professionals

27:11 – Resources to build confidence and community

29:30 – Lightning Round:

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

33:45 – Closing thoughts: It's not about the checklistβ€”it's about the people


Free Download: Accreditation Manager Starter Kit


πŸ”— Connect with Areaka
  • 🌐Website
  • πŸ™‹β€β™€οΈDigital Business Card
  • πŸ’Ό LinkedIn
  • πŸ“˜ Facebook
  • πŸ“Έ Instagram



πŸ”— Connect with Kevin
  • πŸ’Ό LinkedIn
  • 🌐National Association for Accreditation Leadership (NAAL)
  • 🎧Beyond the Checklist podcast

Connect with Areaka

πŸ™‹β€β™€οΈ Digital Business Card

🌐 Website

πŸ’Ό LinkedIn

πŸ“˜ Facebook

πŸ“Έ Instagram
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Accreditation Made EasyBy Areaka Jewell