IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 4, 2016

For more information:
Eileen Hawley
785-368-7138
media@ks.gov

Topeka – Governor Sam Brownback today named Joseph “Joe” Norwood as Secretary for the Kansas Department of Corrections effective May 30, 2016.

Norwood has more than 30 years of correctional experience and currently serves as the Regional Director, Notheast Region for the Federal Bureau of Prisons. He will retire from the Federal Bureau of Prisons on May 28, 2016.

“Joe Norwood will bring a new and different perspective to the Kansas correctional system,” said Governor Brownback. “His extensive experience, combined with the experience of the Corrections leadership team, will serve the citizens of Kansas well.” 

Norwood began his career with the Bureau of Prisons in 1984 as a correctional officer at the United States Penitentiary at Leavenworth, Kan., and has held increasingly responsible positions across the nation. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/Accounting from the University of Kansas. He completed the Harvard Senior Executive Fellows Program – Bureau’s Leadership Enhancement in August 2007.

“I look forward to returning to Kansas and leading the Corrections system,” Norwood said. “The Corrections system has an excellent reputation. My focus will be on sound administration, effective security practices and a leadership policy of staff development and succession planning."

Norwood’s appointment must be confirmed by the Kansas Senate.  He replaces Ray Roberts who served as Corrections Secretary from January 2011 through December 2015. Johnnie Goddard has served interim Secretary for the Department of Corrections since Roberts’ retirement. He will return to his role as Deputy Secretary for Facilities Management.

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