Departmental Staff
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Department of Corrections |
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 Commissioner LaDonna Thompson
Department of Corrections
LaDonna H. Thompson, who began her career with the Kentucky Department of Corrections in 1989, made history when Governor Steve Beshear named her Commissioner, marking the first time a woman has been chosen for the top Kentucky Department of Corrections’ post.
As one of the original correctional officers at the Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex, Thompson moved on to hold a position at Kentucky State Reformatory and Luther Luckett Correctional Complex in LaGrange. She made her way up through the ranks, working with the VINE program (Victim Information and Notification Everyday), inmate classification and population management divisions. Thompson spent two and a half years as Deputy Commissioner of the agency. Read more...
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Department of Criminal Justice Training |
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 Commissioner John W. Bizzack
Department of Criminal Justice Training
John W. Bizzack, a 25-year veteran of law enforcement, is also an author, lecturer, and former Director of the Council on Leadership and Criminal Justice Policy. He served 25 years with the Division of Police in Lexington, Kentucky, and retired at the permanent rank of Captain.
A graduate of Eastern Kentucky University, he holds degrees in Criminal Justice and Business Administration, and a Ph.D. in Administration and Management, with a specialty track in Criminal Justice Administration from Walden University. His career service and experience ranges from extensive investigative and supervisory assignments in criminal investigative work, police administration, the accreditation of law enforcement agencies, and a number of research projects. Read more...
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Department of Juvenile Justice |
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 Commissioner Ronald Haws
Department of Juvenile Justice
Ronald Haws is the Commissioner for the Department of Juvenile Justice, having served as Acting Commissioner since January 2008.
Prior to his appointment, Haws was the Western Kentucky Regional Director for the Department of Juvenile Justice, and is a former Facilities Regional Administrator with the agency. In addition, he has served in several capacities with the Illinois Department of Corrections' Juvenile Division, including Superintendent and District Parole Supervisor.
A graduate of Bradley University with a Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling, Haws has taught school and coached football, and served as Director of Youth Services for Peoria, Illinois.
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Department of Public Advocacy |
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 Public Advocate Ed Monahan
Department of Public Advocacy
Ed Monahan, a veteran public defender, was appointed Public Advocate for Kentucky by Gov. Steve Beshear in September 2008. Monahan becomes the Commonwealth’s sixth chief administrator responsible for providing legal defense services for the indigent.
Monahan’s service to Kentucky spans more than three decades. Most recently, he served as Executive Director of The Catholic Conference of Kentucky. Prior to that, Monahan worked as a public defender from 1976-2004, the last eight of which as Deputy Public Advocate. Read more...
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Kentucky State Police |
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 Commissioner Rodney Brewer
Kentucky State Police
Rodney Brewer, a native of Louisville, served for 26 years with the Kentucky State Police. His assignments included uniformed operations, special investigations, narcotics, strategic planning, academy instructor and the executive protection detail assigned to protect the Governor and Lieutenant Governor.
Upon his retirement as Deputy Commissioner in August 2004, he had held every merit and non-merit rank within the organization. Brewer completed his undergraduate and graduate work at the University of Louisville.
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