CDOC executive director to resign after 4 years
Dean Williams will leave the role in December
Dean Williams, executive director of the Colorado Department of Corrections, is resigning after four years in the leadership role.
Williams will leave the DOC in December and an interim executive director will be announced prior to his departure, according to a Thursday news release.
“We are grateful to Dean Williams for his dedicated service and thank him for his work on behalf of the Department of Corrections” said Gov. Jared Polis. “His work has been a part of our commitment to reduce recidivism and improve public safety, and we wish Dean well in his future endeavors.”
Williams was appointed executive director, by Polis, on Jan. 8, 2019. Williams is credited with navigating the department through the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as implementing programs designed to provide opportunities for incarcerated individuals to develop necessary pro-social skills, and receive the education and training needed to successfully transition back into the community. Among those programs is a statewide prison radio station.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to be the Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Corrections. I am very grateful to Governor Polis for choosing me to lead the DOC these past four years,” Williams said in the release. “I have been blessed to work with wonderful leaders across state agencies, state legislators, local law enforcement, incredible community partners and most importantly our dedicated CDOC staff.
“I have the deepest respect for all of the CDOC team who serve with honor every day in the face of intensely challenging but rewarding work. While I will be stepping aside from the Department, Colorado will always have a special place in my heart.”
Prior to joining the DOC, Williams was the commissioner of corrections in Alaska. His last day on the job in Colorado will be on Dec. 2, and a search process for the interim executive director is underway.