Warden
May 22, 2012
Gov appoints wardens at Mule Creek, CMF, Wasco, others
APPOINTMENTS
By Governor. Contact: 916 445 4571.
Senate confirmation not required.
As chief of the contract beds unit, CA Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation: Dalinda Harman, 48, Sacramento, Democrat, chief community correctional facilities administrator, CDCR. Salary: $130,668.
To Council on Mentally Ill Offenders: Manuel Jimenez, 54, Turlock, Democrat, mental health director, Merced County. No compensation.
As warden, Wasco State Prison: John Katavich, 48, Bakersfield, Democrat, acting in the role since 2011. Salary: $130,668.
As warden, Mule Creek State Prison: William Knipp, 49, Gold River, Republican, acting in the role since 2011. Salary: $130,688.
As warden, California Medical Facility: Vimal Singh, 46, Elk Grove, Democrat, acting in the role since 2011. Salary: $130,688.
May 17, 2012
New acting warden at VSPW
The California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation announced Tuesday that Ron Davis has been appointed the acting warden of Valley State Prison for Women in Chowchilla.
The CDCR says prior to this assignment, Davis worked as the chief deputy warden at Avenal State Prison in Kings County. He began his career as a correctional officer in Salinas in 1994...
LINK - KMPH.com
March 22, 2012
Monterey man appointed warden or Pelican Bay State Prison
Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. has announced the appointment of Gregory Lewis, 48, of Monterey, as warden of Pelican Bay State Prison at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, where he has served as acting warden since 2010.
Lewis served as chief deputy administrator for Salinas Valley State Prison from 2009 to 2010 and for Kern Valley State Prison from 2008 to 2009.
Lewis served in various positions with the Salinas Valley State Prison, including correctional administrator from 2006 to 2008, facility captain from 2004 to 2006, correctional lieutenant from 1998 to 2004 and correctional sergeant from 1996 to 1998.
He also served as a correctional sergeant for the Pelican Bay State Prison from 1994 to 1996 and was correctional officer at the Sierra Conservation Center from 1987 to 1992.
January 26, 2012
New acting Warden at CCI
Kim Holland is the new Acting Warden at the California Correctional Institution. Mike Stainer, the former Acting Warden who was formally appointed to the Warden’s position by Gov. Jerry Brown on Jan. 17, is on assignment as Acting Associate Director of the California Dept. of Corrections and Rehabilitation in Sacramento. Holland was introduced at a recent meeting of the CCI Citizens Advisory Committee.
Newly appointed Acting Warden Kim Holland was introduced at the Jan. 17 meeting of the Citizens Advisory Committee at the California Correctional Institution.
Holland replaces Michael Stainer who has temporarily been stationed in Sacramento as Acting Associate Director. Stainer had been Acting Warden since December 2010 and was formally appointed as Warden at CCI by Gov. Jerry Brown on Jan. 17...
LINK - TehachapiNews.com
January 17, 2012
Michael Stainer appointed warden at Tehachapi
SACRAMENTO – Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments.
Michael Stainer, 48, of Tehachapi, has been appointed warden at the California Correctional Institution. Stainer has been chief deputy warden at the California Correctional Institution since 2008. He has worked with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in multiple positions since 1987. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $129,108. Stainer is a Republican.
January 1, 2012
New warden at San Quentin State Prison
A Folsom Prison official has been named as the new warden at San Quentin State Prison.
Kevin Chappelle, the chief deputy warden at Folsom State Prison, will step into the top post at the Marin County prison on Jan. 3, state prison officials announced Thursday.
"He's a great leader, well-respected by his staff and by the inmates," said Folsom spokesman Lt. Paul Baker. "San Quentin is lucky to get him."
Chappelle will succeed acting Warden Mike Martel. Martel, who began his career 30 years ago as a correctional officer at San Quentin, was appointed to that position on Feb. 22...
LINK - MercuryNews.com
December 2, 2011
DVI warden to retire
Deuel Vocational Institute Warden Socorro Salinas has announced she will retire Dec. 15 after 31 years in the state prison system.
Salinas, whose tenure has drawn both praise and criticism, leaves after four years as top official at Deuel...
LINK - RecordNet.com
July 1, 2011
Fmr Wasco warden Kelly Harrington appointed Assoc. Dir of High Security/Transitional Housing at CDCR
Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. today announced the following appointment:
Kelly Harrington, 47, of Bakersfield, has been appointed associate director of high security and transitional housing with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Harrington has served as the warden of Kern Valley State Prison since 2008. He served in multiple roles at Wasco State Prison from 1997 to 2008, including chief deputy warden from 2005 to 2008. Harrington served at the California Correctional Institution from 1987 to 1997. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $135,564. Harrington is a Republican.
LINK - Gov.CA.gov
March 5, 2011
New warden takes reins at San Quentin
The California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation has appointed Mike Martel the new warden at San Quentin State Prison.
A veteran of the state corrections system has been tapped to take over at San Quentin State Prison, where he started his career 30 years ago.
Mike Martel, 56, became warden at the state's oldest prison on Feb. 22...
LINK - MarinIJ.com
March 1, 2011
Shake-up at San Quentin: Warden replaced
San Quentin Acting Warden Vincent Cullen was removed from his post on Friday and will move to a different prison within California.
“As a rule, all wardens are selected and appointed in an ‘acting’ capacity as they undergo a comprehensive evaluation,” Assistant Secretary of Communications Oscar Hidalgo said in an email. “Mr. Cullen was effective at maintaining the sound operation of San Quentin during his time as acting warden, but it was decided that an alternate placement was more appropriate at this time.”
About half of California’s 33 adult facilities are lead by acting wardens...
LINK - KALWNews.org
January 12, 2011
Stainer is Acting Warden at CCI
Even before he officially became California Correctional Institution's Acting Warden on Dec. 30, 2010, Mike Stainer had a big problem to tackle.
Stainer was in charge; retiring Warden Fernando Gonzalez had taken the remainder of his employment in vacation time and was gone.
On Christmas day, 15,300 square feet of roof blew off the Unit II facility's administration and education buildings...
LINK - TehachapiNews.com
December 24, 2010
Schwarzenegger appoints wardens at CEN, CTF, FOL, and Mahoney as Supt. at Preston
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced the following appointments:
Domingo Uribe, 53, of Wildomar, has been appointed warden of Centinela State Prison (CEN). He has been acting warden at CEN since 2009 and was previously chief deputy warden from 2008 to 2009. From 2005 to 2008, Uribe was correctional administrator at R.J. Donovan Correctional Training Facility in San Diego. From 2001 to 2005, he served as ombudsman for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation headquarters. From 1995 to 2001, Uribe was a correctional lieutenant at Pelican Bay State Prison, where he previously served as a correctional counselor I from 1990 to 1995. He was a correctional sergeant at Richard A. MeGee training facility from 1988 to 1990. Previously, Uribe worked at the Correctional Training Facility in Soledad as a correctional officer from 1983 to 1987 and a correctional sergeant from 1987 to 1988. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $129,108. Uribe is a Democrat...
January 21, 2010
Gov appoints new heads for CDCR in parole, labor relations, institutions, programs, BPH, CCCJ
01/21/2010 GAAS:50:10 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gov. Schwarzenegger Announces Appointments
Official Press Release at gov.ca.gov
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced the following appointments:
Robert Ambroselli, 43, of Roseville, has been appointed director of the Division of Adult Parole Operations for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Since 2007, he has served as deputy director of the Division of Adult Parole Operations for CDCR. Ambroselli previously served CDCR as regional parole administrator in 2007, associate director from 2006 to 2007, parole administrator I from 2002 to 2006, parole agent III from 2001 to 2002, parole agent II and assistant unit supervisor for the interstate unit from 2000 to 2001, and parole agent II and corrections compact coordinator for the Interstate Unit in 2000. Prior to that, he was a parole agent I for the fugitive apprehension unit from 1998 to 2000 and for the Bakersfield parole unit from 1996 to 1998. Ambroselli was a correctional officer for North Kern State Prison from 1994 to 1996 and Pelican Bay State Prison from 1990 to 1994. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $135,564. Ambroselli is a Republican.
Tony Campos, 66, of Watsonville, has been appointed to the California Council on Criminal Justice. He has served on the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors since 1999 and has owned and been a real estate broker for Caldwell Banker Campos since 1979. Previously, Campos served as a member of the Watsonville City Council from 1987 to 1998 and served as mayor in 1993 and again in 1994. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no salary. Campos is a Democrat.
Steven Caruso, 57, of Sacramento, has been appointed assistant secretary for labor relations for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Since 2008, he has served as director of resident programs for the Sacramento Mutual Housing Association. Previously, Caruso was the executive director for Family Promise of Sacramento from 2007 to 2008, senior consultant for Lincoln Crow Strategic Communications from 2005 to 2006 and executive director of the Elk Grove Community Food Bank from 2002 to 2007. He served as founder and president of Caruso and Company Professional Management Group from 1992 to 2006. Prior to that, Caruso was a consultant for Blanning and Baker Associates from 1988 to 1992, director of labor relations training for the California Correctional Peace Officers Association from 1986 to1988, deputy executive director for the California Commission on the Teaching Professions from 1984 to 1986 and senior staff consultant for J. Lewis Associates in 1983. He serves on the Alchemist Community Development Corporation's Board of Directors. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $105,060. Caruso is a Democrat.
George Giurbino, 50, of Represa, has been appointed director of the Division of Adult Institutions for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Since 2006, he has served as associate director of high security and transitional housing program institutions for the Division of Adult Institutions for CDCR. Giurbino served as warden of Centinela State Prison (CEN) and acting warden of Calipatria State Prison from 2000 to 2006. Prior to that, he was chief deputy warden of CEN in 2000 and assistant regional administrator for the San Diego region in the Institutions Division for CDCR in 1999. Giurbino served CEN as associate warden for business services in 1998, associate warden for housing services from 1997 to 1998, facility captain in 1997, investigative captain for correctional institutions and acting associate warden for housing services from 1995 to 1997 and correctional captain for custody operation from 1993 to 1995. From 1980 to 1993, he was a correctional officer for the California Rehabilitation Center. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $135,564. Giurbino is a Republican.
Roman Nava, 39, of Chino Hills, has been appointed to the California Council on Criminal Justice. Since 2005, he has been district director and small business liaison for San Bernardino County Supervisor Gary Ovitt. Previously, Nava served as a district representative for Assemblymember Bob Pacheco from 1999 to 2004 and assistant to the chief deputy appointments secretary for the Office of Governor Pete Wilson from 1996 to 1999. He is a member of the board of directors for Chino Hills Parks and Recreation Committee and Chino Valley Fire Foundation. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no salary. Nava is a Republican.
Robert Peppler, 57, of Fairfax, has been appointed to the Board of Parole Hearings. He served as assistant director of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from 2005 to 2008. Prior to that, Peppler served the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department as undersheriff from 1997 to 2005, assistant sheriff from 1996 to 1997, deputy chief from 1995 to 1996, captain from 1991 to 1995, lieutenant from 1987 to 1991, sergeant from 1985 to 1987, detective from 1982 to 1985 and deputy sheriff from 1978 to 1982. He was a police officer with the Hinsdale Police Department in Illinois from 1976 to 1977. Peppler served in the U.S. Air Force from 1971 to 1975. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $111,845. Peppler is a Republican.
Elizabeth Siggins, 39, of Sacramento, has been appointed chief deputy secretary for adult programs for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). She has served CDCR as senior policy advisor to the secretary since 2008. Prior to that, Siggins was policy director for the Office of the Inspector General from 2007 to 2008. She served the California State Senate Rules Committee as principal consultant in 2007 and policy consultant from 2001 to 2003. From 2004 to 2007, Siggins was assistant secretary and chief for juvenile justice for CDCR and, from 2003 to 2004, was executive director for City Youth Now. She was a research consultant for community based services for the Edgewood Center for Children and Families Institute from 1997 to 1999, program coordinator for Peer Education and Violence Prevention Program Hospital Audiences from 1992 to 1997 and assistant to the executive director for the Bay Area Women's and Children's Center from 1989 to 1991. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $141,816. Siggins is registered decline-to-state.
Richard Subia, 48, of Folsom, has been appointed deputy director for the Division of Adult Institutions for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). He has served as associate director of general population II and III for the Division of Adult Institutions for CDCR since 2008 and previously served as acting associate director of general population II and III in 2007. >From 2006 to 2007, Subia was acting warden at the Mule Creek State Prison (MCSP). Prior to that, he served CDCR headquarters as correctional administrator and chief deputy administrator to the undersecretary and secretary from 2005 to 2006 and correctional captain and acting correctional administrator at the Division of Adult Institutions from 2004 to 2005. Prior to that, Subia worked at MCSP as correctional captain and facility captain from 2002 to 2004, correctional counselor and public information officer and administrative assistant to the warden from 2000 to 2002, correctional counselor and employee relations officer from 1997 to 2000 and correctional lieutenant and employee relations officer from 1994 to 1997. From 1989 to 1994, he was a correctional sergeant at the California State Prison, Solano and, from 1986 to 1989, he was a correctional officer at Folsom State Prison. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $135,564. Subia is a Republican.
Christine Ward, 41, of Sacramento, has been appointed to the California Council on Criminal Justice. Since 2006, she has been executive director for Doris Tate Crime Victims Bureau. Ward was domestic violence victim response team coordinator for Womanspace from 2002 to 2006, director for education and outreach and shelter director for the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Center from 2000 to 2002. She was volunteer coordinator for WEAVE from 1997 to 2000. Prior to that, Ward served Orco Construction Supply as human resources director from 1996 to 1997 and regional credit manager from 1989 to 1996. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no salary. Ward is registered decline-to-state.
January 12, 2010
New warden appointed at CIW
There is a new warden in town, though he didn't have to travel too far.
Guillermo Garcia, a licensed clinical social worker, has taken over the reins from Dawn Davison at the California Institution for Women prison.
"We are hoping he will bring fresh eyes to the institution," said Debra Dexter Herndon, an associate director of Female Offender Programs and Services…
LINK - ContraCostaTimes.com
January 11, 2010
New warden to take charge at San Quentin Prison
Vincent Cullen takes over as San Quentin State Prison warden on Monday, Jan. 11. The second-in-command at San Quentin State Prison will become first-in-command on Monday.
Vincent Cullen takes over the 157-year-old prison, the state's oldest, after spending a year as chief deputy warden. His annual salary will be $107,493.
"I always wanted to work at San Quentin, but I never honestly believed it would come to fruition," said Cullen, 47, a Vacaville resident who will soon move to the prison grounds. "When I first started out, attaining a warden's job was almost beyond comprehension…"
LINK - ContraCostaTimes.com
October 8, 2009
Gov appoints new wardens for Folsom, Salinas Valley
Michael Evans, 63, of Sacramento, has been appointed warden of Folsom State Prison. He has served the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) as warden of Salinas Valley State Prison since 2006 and was acting warden from 2004 to 2006. Evans served as chief deputy warden of the California Correctional Institution (CCI) in 2004, associate warden of the High Desert State Prison from 2000 to 2004, correctional captain with the Northern Transportation Unit, Division of Adult Institutions from 1997 to 2000 and correctional lieutenant for the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center from 1995 to 1997. Prior to that, he served at CDCR's Emergency Operations Unit as correctional lieutenant from 1993 to 1995 and sergeant and training coordinator from 1990 to 1993. Evans also served CCI as correctional sergeant from 1989 to 1990 and correctional officer from 1986 to 1989. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $129,108. Evans is a Republican.
Anthony Hedgpeth, 56, of Salinas, has been appointed warden of Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP). He has served the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation as acting warden of SVSP since 2008 and was warden of Kern Valley State Prison from 2007 to 2008. Prior to that, Hedgpeth served SVSP as chief deputy warden from 2006 to 2007, correctional administrator from 2004 to 2006, facility captain from 2000 to 2004 and correctional lieutenant from 1998 to 2000. He served as correctional lieutenant for Wasco State Prison from 1990 to 1998 and California State Prison, Corcoran (CSP-COR) from 1989 to 1990. He was a correctional sergeant at CSP-COR from 1988 to 1989 and the California Correctional Institution from 1986 to 1988. Hedgpeth was a correctional officer at the Correctional Training Facility from 1981 to 1986. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $129,108. Hedgpeth is a Republican.
July 27, 2009
Discontent rises at Lancaster prison: Officers claim they fear warden
The president of the correctional officers union at California State Prison Los Angeles County is calling for major changes in the workplace.
Lt. Charles Hughes, the chapter president for the California Correctional Peace Officers Association, said staff morale is low and workers are spending more time worrying about Warden Brian Haws and their job security than they are the inmates.
"Never has it been like this," Hughes said…
LINK - AVPress.com (Antelope Valley Press)
July 25, 2009
CIW warden preparing for retirement
Just past the rose bushes, California Institution for Women's main yard stretches out in front of warden Dawn Davison's office windows.
For the past five years, she has been watching over more than 2,600 inmates. She has worked to improve their shortcomings and celebrate their successes.
In a few months, it will be someone else's yard, someone else's worry and, hopefully, someone else's source of pride…
LINK - DailyBulletin.com
June 24, 2009
Prison warden faulted for failing to discipline correctional officer
The warden of a Northern California prison acted inappropriately when he failed to discipline a correctional officer and allowed him to keep working at the institution after he was convicted of two felonies in connection with a hit-and-run accident last year, according to a report released today by a state prison watchdog.
The officer was driving under the influence of alcohol at 85 to 95 mph during the June 20, 2008, accident, in which three passengers in another vehicle – including a 3-year-old – were injured, according to the report by Inspector General David Shaw. Shaw's report did not identify the participants or the prison, but state officials said the warden was Ben Curry, who runs the Correctional Training Facility in Soledad.
According to Shaw, days after the officer was convicted, the warden granted his request for a voluntary demotion to lead groundskeeper, a position in which he would supervise inmates and for which he was not qualified…
LINK - LATimes.com
April 28, 2009
Ironwood warden, Herndon reassigned
Ironwood State Prison (ISP) Warden Debra Herndon has been temporarily reassigned to a position in Sacramento as of April 17. In her absence, Chuckawalla Valley State Prison's Chief Deputy Warden Gary Sandor has been asked to step in as the acting warden at ISP.
Herndon reported to Headquarter's Office of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on April 22. Sandor began as acting warden at ISP on the same day,
"I have always loved working here at ISP and I plan on keeping my residence in Blythe, as I love the camaraderie with city, its people and the town of Blythe," said Herndon, "It is a temporary assignment and I plan on coming back…"
LINK - BlytheCANews.com
December 31, 2008
San Quentin warden ends career where he started, 40 years ago
Robert Ayers, warden of San Quentin State Prison, ended his career Tuesday where he began as a guard in 1968.
Ayers' co-workers credit him with returning stability to administration of the state's oldest prison after a period when wardens there arrived and departed faster than express buses. The heads of nonprofits offering rehabilitative programs at the prison also sing his praises, saying he opened the prison to them in an effort to battle recidivism.
But Ayers' 40-year career, which includes stints as warden at Lancaster State Prison and Pelican Bay State Prison, has also had its rocky moments. In 2000, he was denied permanent appointment as warden to Pelican Bay, where a female guard filed a lawsuit against him and others, claiming they failed to properly discipline inmates who sexually harassed her.
Gov. Pete Wilson nominated Ayers, who is a Republican, for the warden's job at Pelican Bay. But Wilson's successor, Gray Davis, withdrew the nomination. Ayers retired soon after….
LINK - MarinINJ.com (The Marin Independent Journal)
September 24, 2008
New warden coming to troubled Atwater prison
The Bureau of Prisons will bring a new warden to a federal institution beset by a rash of inmate stabbings that followed the murder of a corrections officer in June.
The warden of a high-security prison in Kentucky, Hector Rios Jr. of the USP Big Sandy, will become U.S. Penitentiary Atwater's fourth warden since it opened in 2001.
The Bureau announced Tuesday that Atwater warden Dennis Smith will be transferred to a medium-security prison in Illinois…
LINK - MercuryNews.com
July 11, 2008
Pelican Bay prison warden retires
Pelican Bay State Prison's warden officially retired at the end of June, but he will continue working until Dec. 31. Warden Robert Horel said his decision to retire was a financial one. He has been Pelican Bay's warden since 2006.
"The retirement system is at the point where it is more lucrative for me to be retired than to be at work," Horel said in a phone interview Wednesday. "I really didn't want to leave. But this was a way for me to not take the financial hit every month and still run the prison."
When officially appointed as Pelican Bay's warden by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2007—Horel was acting warden before then—his salary was $126,756. He has been a state employee for nearly 38 years…
LINK - The Daily Triplicate
May 10, 2008
Prisons, police join forces
When two minimum-security inmates escaped from the California Medical Facility in March, Vacaville residents sounded off about what they called inadequate notification efforts.
Since then, officials at CMF, California State Prison, Solano and the Vacaville Police Department have joined forces to improve public safety efforts in the event of future escapes. And in the past week, prison officials have distributed fliers throughout the community explaining new joint escape protocols.
"We took this issue seriously," emphasized CMF Warden Mike Knowles, at a meeting Wednesday of the Citizen's Advisory Committee, a panel of community leaders that meets six times a year to discuss prison matters.
CSP, Solano Warden D.K. Sisto added that the writing of the new protocols has been beneficial for all…
LINK - TheReporter.com (The Vacaville Reporter)
March 17, 2008
Governor’s Latest Appointees: March 2008
Yvette Marc-Aurele, 53, of Stockton, has been appointed superintendent of O.H. Close Youth Correctional Facility. She has served as acting superintendent at the O.H. Close YCF in Stockton since 2006. From 2004 to 2005, Marc-Aurele was deputy director at the Institutions and Camp Branch in Sacramento and, from 2002 to 2004, was executive superintendent for the Northern California Youth Correction Center in Stockton. From 2000 to 2002, she was executive superintendent at DeWitt Nelson Youth Correctional Facility in Stockton and, from 1998 to 2000, was superintendent at O.H. Close YCF. Prior to that, Marc-Aurele was assistant superintendent at DeWitt Nelson Youth Correctional Facility from 1997 to 1998, treatment team supervisor at the Karl Holton Youth Correctional Facility in Stockton from 1990 to 1997 and parole agent at O.H. Close YCF from 1986 to 1990. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $125,892. Marc-Aurele is registered decline-to-state.
Matthew Martel, 59, of San Bernardino, has been appointed warden of the California Rehabilitation Center (CRC). He has held various positions at the CRC since 1982 including acting warden since 2007, chief deputy warden from 2006 to 2007, correctional administrator from 2003 to 2006, facility captain from 2002 to 2003 and correctional counselor II supervisor from 1995 to 1999. Prior to that at CRC, Martel was correctional counselor II supervisor from 1989 to 1995, correctional counselor I from 1986 to 1989, correctional educator from 1984 to 1986, emergency operations-negotiations management team member from 1984 to 1995 and correctional officer from 1982 to 1984. Additionally, he was facility captain at the Community Correctional Facilities Administration at Adelanto from 1999 to 2002 and facility captain at Ironwood State Prison in 1995. Martel served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve from 1980 to 2002. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $129,108. Martel is a Republican.
Terri McDonald, 44, of Sacramento, has been appointed associate director of reception center institutions for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). She has served as acting associate director of reception centers for CDCR since 2007. From 2006 to 2007, McDonald was chief deputy administrator of correctional programs for California out-of-state correctional facilities and, in early 2006, was chief of the classification services unit for the Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO). From 2004 to 2006, she was correctional administrator for general population level II and III institutions for DAI and, earlier in 2004, was a correctional captain and facility captain at Folsom State Prison. From 1990 to 2004, McDonald held various positions at California Medical Facility including correctional captain from 2001 to 2004, correctional lieutenant from 1996 to 2001, correctional sergeant from 1993 to 1996 and correctional officer from 1990 to 1993. She began her career as a correctional officer at Sierra Conservation Center from 1988 to 1990. This position does require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $135,564. McDonald is registered decline-to-state.
LINK - Gov.CA.gov (California Governor's Home Page)
February 29, 2008
Debra Dexter: First black female warden at Ironwood
Celebrating Black History Month
By Jaclyn RandallDebra Dexter, 47, was appointed by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as the first black female warden at Ironwood State Prison on Nov. 2, 2007.
Since her appointment, she has set precedence by making Ironwood a real community institution.
Through various inmate rehabilitation programs at the facility, things have really been improved for Blythe.
LINK - BlytheCANews.com (Palo Verde Valley Times)
February 14, 2008
Wardens Await Final Word on Possible Inmates Release
A pair of local wardens is awaiting news of how their operations could be affected if a proposed early release of state-prison inmates comes about.
A target in a pair of lawsuits, the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has been run by a federal court-appointed official called a receiver since 2006.
Each suit charges unconstitutional shortcomings in prison medical care because of overcrowding. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's recent budget-cut proposal includes 10 percent taken from the corrections-rehabilitation department…
LINK - FolsomTelegraph.com
December 18, 2007
Retired Norco Warden Writes a Book
Jo Ann Gordon, 59, has seen it all during her 31-year career in the California Department of Corrections. Her book, "The Road Goes Both Ways: A Collection of Short Stories," was published earlier this year, and it shares some of the tales she has cultivated through the years…
LINK - PE.com
December 17, 1998
Supervisory - 4.9 Institutional Vacancy Plans for Supervisors and Managers
DECEMBER 17, 1998
To: Wardens
Subject: INSTITUTIONAL VACANCY PLANS FOR SUPERVISORS AND MANAGERS
It is incumbent upon every Warden to ensure that a baseline number of supervisors and managers are on duty for the purpose of providing the appropriate amount of supervision to staff as well as inmates. It is understood that vacancy plans for supervisors and managers vary from one institution to another based upon individual design and mission, making it extremely difficult to draft a standard policy that is specific enough to meet every institution's needs.
Therefore, to ensure consistency in departmental policy relative to this matter, each Warden is requested to submit their institution's vacancy plan for supervisors and managers to their respective Regional Administrator for review and approval by January 8, 1999. Wardens, in reviewing their respective institutional vacancy plans, must ensure that the average vacancy rate for Correctional Sergeants and Lieutenants does not exceed the mandated 4.9 percent. Additionally, Wardens must ensure that there is an adequate amount of permanent full time supervisory staff assigned on all watches.
It is my expectation that Wardens of institutions that do not have an established vacancy plan for supervisors and managers develop one for their respective institution. Wardens of institutions developing new vacancy plans for supervisors and managers are to adhere to the Regional Administrator review and approval process as stated above. (Note: If necessary, contact your respective Regional Administrator to coordinate a date of completion for newly developed vacancy plans). Regional Administrators shall review and ensure that consistent procedural practice regarding institutional vacancy plans for supervisors and managers has been established and implemented. Undue disparity shall be appropriately addressed and corrected under the direction of the Regional Administrators.
Additionally, Wardens are instructed to ensure that overtime hiring practices for Correctional Sergeants and Lieutenants are comparable to those processes that pertain to rank-and-file employees. First and second level supervisors shall be assigned voluntary overtime by seniority except where precluded by operational needs of the Department or in emergency situations. Existing caps on voluntary overtime shall continue; where they do not exist, a monthly cap of 80 hours shall be established and observed, except where precluded by operational needs of the Department or in emergency situations.
Each Warden shall ensure the establishment and implementation of a means by which supervisors may sign up for an overtime shift. The order of call for voluntary overtime shall normally be from the voluntary overtime roster. However, if the overtime assignment becomes available two hours or less prior to the start time of the overtime assignment, the assignment will be offered to the most senior employee whose name appears on the voluntary overtime roster and who is currently on duty.
First and second level supervisors shall be assigned involuntary overtime on a rotating basis by inverse seniority, except where precluded by operational needs of the Department or in emergency situations. The junior 70% of the supervisors assigned overtime in a particular classification shall only be assigned involuntary overtime twice during a monthly pay period before the senior remaining 30% of the supervisors are required to work involuntary overtime. If after the junior 70% have been worked twice in any monthly pay period and the senior 30% once in that same monthly pay period, then the junior 70% shall be required to work again. Supervisors will not be assigned involuntary overtime on their regular day off (RDO). Reasonable efforts to canvass on duty employee volunteers shall be made prior to implementation of the involuntary overtime process.
Regional Administrators are requested to report their findings and action plans to my office by January 22, 1999.
Should you have questions or concerns regarding this matter, please contact your respective Regional Administrator.
DAVID TRISTAN
Deputy Director Institutions Division
Date: January 26, 1999
To: Northern Region Wardens
Subject: SUPERVISOR AND MANAGER VACANCY PLANS
This memorandum is regarding my conference call of January 22, 1999, concerning institutional vacancy plans for supervisors and managers. The purpose of the call was to provide clarification regarding the December 17, 1998, memorandum by David Tristan, Deputy Director, requesting each Warden to submit their Correctional Sergeant and Lieutenant vacancy plan to their respective Regional Administrator by January 8, 1999.
Some institutions have already complied with Mr. Tristan's request; however, others requested clarification regarding what should be included in the plan. As indicated during the conference call, all positions (or fractions of positions) which were approved in a staff package but were never activated for whatever reason, should be reflected in your plan.
It is imperative that Wardens accurately reflect all budgeted positions to be consistent with the Director's stated intention that the vacancy rates will to exceed the mandated 4.9 percent. As a reminder, this direction is similar to guidelines previously issued relative to vacancy plans that were developed for Correctional Officers' positions.
You are directed to submit your vacancy plan to my office by February 29, 1999. Likewise, those institutions that have already submitted vacancy plans which do not comply with the above guidelines, should submit revised plans by the same date. TO avoid confusion, any resubmitted plans should be clearly marked "revised/amended" so that the previously submitted document can be substituted.
I hope this information clarifies your concerns regarding this issue. However, please contact Mark Shepherd, Correctional Administrator, at (916) 323-7395, should you have additional questions.
M.T. Pickett
Regiona Administrator-North
Institutions Division
