North Carolina Creates New Prison Leadership Position

North Carolina has created a new leadership position to oversee the state's troubled prison system.

Todd Ishee will become the state's first Commissioner of Prisons, effective June 24th.

The News and Observer reports that Ishee, currently a deputy director of Ohio's prison system, will supervise operations, health services, administration and prison programs. Ishee will also oversee Correction Enterprises, a Department of Public Safety division that employs inmates and runs industrial plants inside state prisons.

Correction Enterprises managed the sewing plant at Pasquotank Correctional Institution, where four prison workers were killed during a 2017 escape attempt.

DPS spokesman John Bull says Ishee brings with him almost 30 years of experience in corrections management. Bull acknowledges the North Carolina Division of Prisons is facing significant challenges, including prison reform, hiring, retention and health care issues.  

Bull says Ishee will evaluate prison operations and make recommendations to Tim Moose, who will become the state's chief deputy secretary of Adult Corrections and Juvenile Justice on Saturday.