Frankfort, KY – Kentucky Department of Corrections Deputy Commissioner James Schomig today announced the promotion of Ron Howard to warden of the Bell County Forestry Camp (BCFC). He has served as acting warden of the minimum-security prison since August 16, 2006 and was promoted to the position of Deputy Warden II at BCFC in April 2005.

“Ron Howard is an excellent employee and very deserving of this career opportunity,” said Schomig. “His experience in previous management and leadership positions will be invaluable as our department moves forward.” 

Howard began his career at the Bell County Forestry Camp in October 1988 as Chaplain. He transferred to Classification Treatment Officer and worked in almost every phase of institutional operations as well as programs for more than three years. He was promoted to Procedures Development Specialist and in addition to various duties, was accreditation manager when the institution received the highest score attainable by a state-run institution at the time. For the last five and a half years, Howard has worked as the BCFC fiscal officer. In April of 2005 Howard was promoted to Deputy Warden II. In December of the same year, he was recognized by the Kentucky Employee Suggestion System for a suggestion that has resulted in monetary savings for the Commonwealth. 

Howard and his wife, Sandra Carnes Howard, live in Pineville. They have a daughter, Amy, who is an athletic trainer at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, and a son, Andrew, who is attending Campbellsville University. Howard is the oldest son of Gabe and Fannie Howard of Kettle Island.