Department of Corrections
Cheri Kraus Promoted to Branch Manager with Correctional Industries

Kentucky Department of Corrections Deputy Commissioner James Erwin today announced the promotion of Cheri Kraus to branch manager at Kentucky Correctional Industries (KCI). Kraus will now oversee the KCI operations at Luther Luckett Correctional Complex (LLCC) and Kentucky Correctional Institutional for Women (KCIW).

“Cheri Kraus’ experience and dedication to the job set her apart from the rest of the crowd,” said Erwin. “She has demonstrated her skills in every position she has held for the Department and we are excited to give her this opportunity. I have no doubt that she will excel in this position and continue to provide strong leadership and vision for KCI.”

A native of Henry County, Kraus is a veteran KCI employee, having worked for that division of Corrections for the past 22 years. She started in the print shop at LLCC in 1990 and two years later, was promoted to printing supervisor. In 1994, she was promoted to KCI operations supervisor and ran the operation at the KCIW until 1997 when she transferred to the Kentucky State Reformatory to run the operation at that prison.

In 2001 Kraus transferred back to LLCC to work again in the printing plant and also oversee the new embroidery plant that KCI started with the release of Kentucky’s new branding program, “Unbridled Spirit.” The embroidery operation was an instant success.

In 2004 Kraus was again promoted, this time to the position of operations manager, and she became the first woman to occupy that position for KCI. In this role she has had the dual responsibility of ensuring her staff run a profitable industry for the state and coordinating a useful vocational program for inmate employees.