02/19/2004 GAAS:72:04 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Print Version |
Governor Schwarzenegger Appoints Jeanne Woodford Director of the California Department of Corrections
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today appointed Jeanne Woodford director of the California Department of Corrections.
“I am confident that Jeanne’s extensive background in corrections and her proven ability to lead will be instrumental in bringing about the necessary changes in California’s prison system,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “She shares my priorities of public safety and accountability and is a tremendous asset to my administration.”
Woodford served more than 25 years in corrections. Since 1999 she has been the warden for San Quentin State Prison where she was directly responsible for a budget of $110,000,000, 5,800 inmates and 1,500 staff. Prior to taking over as warden, Woodford served first as an associate warden and later as the chief deputy warden. Since first joining the staff as a correctional officer at San Quentin in 1978, she has served in several other positions including seven years as a correctional counselor and five years as a program administrator. She is also a member of several law enforcement and community organizations including the Association of Black Correctional Workers, the Sonoma State Alumni Association and the California Public Safety Leadership and Ethics Program.
“I am honored that the Governor has asked me to help restore the Department to its core mission and purpose,” said Woodford. “I look forward to working with him to re-establish public confidence in California’s prison system through real reform.”
Woodford, 50, is a graduate of Sonoma State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice. She is a Democrat from Benicia, CA. This position requires Senate confirmation and the statutory compensation is $123,255.
The California Department of Corrections is responsible for the incarceration of convicted felons and the supervision of these felons after their release on parole. The Department operates 33 state prisons, 38 conservation camps and oversees 16 community correctional facilities and five prisoner mother facilities. The mission of the Department is to develop and implement effective and innovative correctional policy, create a coordinated correctional system which is responsive to the citizen’s right to public safety and governmental accountability and maintain a reputation for excellence and integrity.
