25 Investigates: Exclusive access inside the only Mass. prison unit dedicated to young fathers

"Breaking the cycle, building better fathers. Meet the B.R.A.V.E Unit, the first of its kind in the US, dedicated to young fathers ages 18-26 who are learning life skills, taking parenting classes and working with mentors in a Massachusetts prison. These young dads are not just serving time, but also working towards becoming better men and better fathers. With classes on criminal thinking, violence reduction and emotional coping skills, they're learning to understand the reasons behind their actions and how to be the best fathers they can be. And with a unique family visitation room complete with games and books, they can finally embrace their kids and create lasting memories. Follow #BRAVEUnit to get an exclusive look inside this prison unit and see the transformative power of education and support. #BreakingCycles #BuildingBetterFutures"

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William "Billy" K Marshall appointed West Virginia Department of Corrections Commissioner

Gov. Jim Justice announced that he has appointed William “Billy” K. Marshall III as the Commissioner of the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The appointment is effective immediately.

Marshall has had a distinguished career in public service, previously serving as Assistant Commissioner for the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the Bureau of Juvenile Services since May 2018.

Moses 'Andre' Stancil as Colorado Interim DOC Executive Director

Governor Polis appointed Moses ‘Andre’ Stancil as interim executive director of the Department of Corrections. Stancil currently serves as Deputy Executive Director, a role he has held since February 2022.

Ryan Thornell - Arizona Director of Department of Corrections

Governor Katie Hobbs announced several members of her cabinet who will be focused on revitalizing and restoring trust in our public safety institutions and growing Arizona’s economy.

“Maintaining public safety and restoring trust in these critical institutions is a major priority for our administration,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “I have the utmost confidence that these directors have the expertise and wherewithal to take on the challenges and opportunities in their departments.”

Laurel Harry Pennsylvania Secretary of Corrections

Harry has been serving as the Acting Western Region Deputy Secretary since July 10, 2022 and has 24 years of Commonwealth experience in the Department of Corrections.

“With over two decades of Commonwealth experience in the Department of Corrections – from managing staff and inmates to overseeing drug and alcohol treatment programs – I know we can address the root causes of crime in Pennsylvania while making our communities safer,” said Harry, the first woman to be appointed as Secretary of Corrections.

Welcome Alaska Commissioner Jen Winkleman

Governor Mike Dunleavy is proud to announce that he has selected Jen Winkelman to be commissioner-designee for the Alaska Department of Corrections. Winkelman was named acting commissioner last year when Nancy Dahlstrom left the department to run for lieutenant governor.

“I am deeply humbled by the confidence placed in me by Governor Dunleavy and am honored to have the opportunity to serve Alaskans as the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections,” said Commissioner-designee Winkelman. “Having dedicated over 20 years of state service to DOC, I feel strongly that Corrections is such an important part in the safety and security of all Alaskans. Our over 2,000 employees are the backbone of the work we do, and I am thankful for their dedication to serving the people of Alaska. I look forward to building upon the efforts our staff make, day in and day out, to prepare those in our care and custody for success after release. Fostering positive relationships with other Departments and community leadership, as well as with leadership across different branches of government is a priority of mine as I know this is critical to making a difference in the lives of those in our charge. It is a privilege to be trusted with this responsibility for Alaskans.”

Director James Dzurenda ~ Nevada Department of Corrections

James Dzurenda will return as the director of the Nevada Department of Corrections starting Monday under the leadership of Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo. Dzurenda previously headed the department for more than three years under Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval.

Sandoval served as Nevada governor from 2011 until 2019.

“I am very honored and excited to be returning to the State of Nevada as Director for NDOC,” Dzurenda told the 8 News Now Investigators. “I am so thankful that Governor Joe Lombardo has put his trust and confidence in me to run the corrections agency in a time where it is crucial to bring back the importance of Public Safety and reducing community victimization by raising the standards in the correctional system.”

Secretary Joe Profiri ~ Arkansas Department of Corrections

Joe Profiri is a corrections and criminal justice professional with over thirty years of experience in administration of public safety programs and correctional oversight at local, state, and national levels.

Serving the Arizona Department of Corrections as Deputy Director, he collaborates with the Department’s well-trained workforce of corrections professionals to keep communities safe by effectively employing the field’s best security practices, enforcement actions, and proven reentry programming to ready the offender population for release and reintegration into Arizona’s communities as civil and productive citizens.

Commissioner Tyrone Oliver

Tyrone Oliver was named Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) in July 2019 by Governor Brian P. Kemp. He is responsible for the daily operation of the multi-faceted agency of more than 3,400 funded positions that hold justice-involved youth accountable for their actions through probation supervision and secure detention.

Commissioner Oliver began his law enforcement career in 1999 as a Detention Officer with the Newton County Sheriff's Office. After becoming a Deputy Sheriff, Commissioner Oliver was promoted to Sergeant and subsequently promoted to Lieutenant. He held various positions with the Newton County Sheriff's Department to include Uniform Patrol, Community Outreach, East Metro Drug Enforcement, Criminal Investigations, Special Investigations, Crime Suppression, and Public Information Officer. His background allowed him the versatility to effectively serve the community in various disciplines.

Frank Strada TDOC Commissioner

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the appointment of Frank Strada to serve as commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC), effective January 9. Strada succeeds Lisa Helton, who has served the department as interim commissioner since December 2021.

“I commend Lisa’s strong leadership as interim commissioner and appreciate her continued service to the department,” said Lee. “Frank’s extensive corrections management and law enforcement experience make him well-suited to lead the Department of Correction, and I am confident he will serve Tennessee with integrity.”

Strada currently serves as the Deputy Director for the Arizona Department of Corrections, where he oversees prison operations, inmate programs, public affairs, facilities management and financial services. Strada brings 34 years of corrections management and law enforcement experience to TDOC, including nearly 30 years with the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Strada provided leadership and policy direction to staff at 121 correctional institutions during his tenure with the BOP and served as a key advisor to the bureau’s director. Strada is a United States Air Force veteran.

Tommy Johnson, Director of the Department of Public Safety - Hawaii

Johnson recently served as the Deputy Director for Corrections at the Department of Public Safety. His experience at the Hawai‘i Paroling Authority is critical as he leads the effort to transition the department to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in 2024.

Governor Newsom Names Jeffrey Macomber Next CDCR Secretary as Secretary Allison Retires

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that Jeffrey Macomber will serve as the next Secretary of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) after Secretary Kathleen Allison retires at the end of the year following three decades of service at the Department.

Macomber was appointed Undersecretary of Operations at the Department by Governor Newsom in 2020 and he has served in several other leadership roles throughout his decades-long career at CDCR.

CLA President Anne Precythe in DC

Thank you to our CLA President Anne Precythe for continuing to promote the profession of Corrections. President Precythe at The White House discussing Workforce Issues, Contraband cellphones, and Reentry.

The staff at the heart of the Missouri corrections culture transformation

Anne Precythe President of the Correctional Leaders Association & Director of the Missouri Department of Corrections, USA Staff is one of the main topics on which Director Precythe has focused her leadership efforts. She and her team are committed to creating a safer workplace, improving employee satisfaction thus, automatically, enhancing the quality of work and outcomes.To this end, the Missouri Department of Corrections is investing in training and valuing the workforce. With this, it will be more and more possible to retain people, interact and intervene better with offenders and truly transform the organizational culture.In this interview, Director Precythe explains her entire vision, talks about recent achievements and challenges, and also gives us an insight into the Correctional Leaders Association, of which she is President.

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