Dr. Beth Skinner
Director
Iowa Department of Corrections

Dr. Beth Skinner was chosen to lead the Iowa Department of Corrections by Gov. Kim Reynolds beginning June 3, 2019.

Prior to taking the position as Director, Dr. Skinner was in charge of research, training, and programs to reduce recidivism for Iowa DOC as the Director of Risk Reduction since 2017. She began her career in Corrections in 2002 as an intern working with probation, and in 2003 as a residential officer with the Sixth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services in Coralville, IA. She went on to serve the Sixth District as a supervisor prior to her taking a position with the Council of State Governments Justice Center in 2012.  In 2015 Dr. Skinner returned to Iowa Corrections as the Statewide Recidivism Reduction Coordinator and was then appointed Director of Risk Reduction in 2017.

Skinner has a Bachelors in Psychology, a Masters in Social Work, and a PhD in Social Work. She earned all three degrees from the University of Iowa. Skinner and her wife, Katrina, live in Des Moines and are parents to three children.