Governor Tate Reeves has announced the criteria for the next Commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC), as recommended by the group of experienced Mississippians tapped to help with the nationwide search.
Assisting Governor Reeves in finding a permanent leader for the Department, Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs, Jr. and the other search members created an expanded job criteria to provide for a Commissioner who can reform MDOC and make Mississippi competitive with other states across the country.
“Mississippi deserves a strong, experienced leader at the helm of the Department. Someone who can rebuild trust in the system. We are raising the level of expectation in our Department leadership to ensure the safety and dignity of inmates, officers, and all Mississippians,” said Governor Tate Reeves.
“On behalf of the entire group, I am honored to submit this recommendation to Governor Reeves as we scour the country for the best possible candidate. We are committed to helping the Governor find the right person for the job and for Mississippi as soon as possible. After looking at all the qualified candidates, we plan to make our final recommendation to Governor Reeves for a permanent Commissioner by early April,” said Mayor George Flaggs, Jr.
The search group has set February 29, 2020 as the final date to submit resumes for consideration.
Mississippi Commissioner of Corrections Position Opening
The Office of the Governor of the State of Mississippi is now accepting resumes for consideration to appointment as Mississippi’s next Commissioner of Corrections. This position provides overall management of the Department of Corrections to include its correctional facilities, administrative functions, and probation services. Of utmost importance is ensuring safety of personnel, offenders and the public while maintaining the efficiency of operations, emergency preparedness and adherence to policies and procedures set forth by Mississippi law.
- Candidates must demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively and maintain good working relationships with the community, the legislature, local, state and federal agencies, law enforcement, and the courts in the various counties of the State.
- Qualified candidates for the Commissioner of Corrections should have at least a bachelor’s degree in a field of study pertinent to the position.
- Work experience dealing with correctional institutions is preferred. In addition, all candidates should have management experience, including experience managing fiscal budgets.
- Candidates demonstrating excellent leadership skills and a proven ability to reform an organization or a governmental agency will be given the upmost consideration.
The Governor’s appointment must be affirmed with the advice and consent of the Mississippi Senate. Selected candidates may be subjected to multiple interviews and a background investigation.
