Kansas Secretary of Corrections Jeff Zmuda announced Feb. 22, 2022 the selection of Tommy Williams as the new warden of El Dorado Correctional Facility (EDCF), El Dorado, KS. Williams began his new role as warden on February 20, having previously served as deputy warden for the facility since April 2021.

“Tommy brings to his new position within EDCF the insight and experience gained by serving in multiple roles at Hutchinson and El Dorado,” said Jeff Zmuda, Kansas Secretary of Corrections. “In addition, he has demonstrated thoughtful leadership and care for the welfare of our staff and our residents throughout his history with our agency.”

Williams began his career with the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility (HCF) in June 1984. His work assignments have included corrections officer and corrections specialist in the training department where he co-founded KDOC’s Defensive Tactics program. He has also served as an investigator for Enforcement Apprehension Investigations (EAI), corrections counselor and unit team manager.

He is an active member of the American Correctional Association and United States Deputy Wardens Association. While in Hutchinson, Williams served on the board for Sexual Assault Domestic Violence of Reno County and two terms as a commissioner for the Human Relations Commission of Hutchinson.

He is an alumnus of both Leadership Reno County and Kansas Leadership Center of Wichita. Williams teaches martial arts at the American Karate and Martial Science where he has been the chief instructor and owner for over 30 years. He is a three time inductee into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

The 1,955 bed El Dorado Correctional Facility opened in 1991 and was expanded in 1995 and 2001. The facility is designed for maximum- and medium-custody residents and to serve as the Reception and Diagnostic Unit (RDU) for all adult males sentenced to KDOC. In RDU, residents receive orientation and are assigned to a custody classification, appropriate programs and a permanent housing assignment.