Department of Corrections
Gary Beckstrom Named Deputy Warden at Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex

Gary Beckstrom, a former warden with over 30 years of experience, has been named Deputy Warden at Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex (EKCC). It is a post he knows well: Beckstrom served as EKCC’s Deputy Warden of Security for 11 years before his promotion to warden of the state’s newest prison, the Little Sandy Correctional Complex in Elliot County, in 2003. He retired from the Department in 2007 but was recently called upon due to his expertise and security background to serve as a monitor at the private prison in Wheelwright, Ky.

“Gary Beckstrom is an experienced and talented corrections professional who has served in several capacities at five different prisons,” said Parke. He will be an asset both to Eastern and to the Department of Corrections.”

When he was selected as warden of the new prison in Elliot County, Department officials noted they needed someone who could “provide the overall leadership and direction for the staff and command the respect of the incarcerated population.”

Beckstrom began his career in 1977 as a correctional officer at the Kentucky State Reformatory. He worked there for eight years in a variety of positions including Correctional Lieutenant and Classification and Treatment Officer. In 1985 he transferred to Northpoint Training Center (NTC) and was promoted to Unit Administrator II and subsequently promoted to Correctional Senior Captain in 1989. He served at NTC until his promotion to Deputy Warden in 1992.

During his career, Beckstrom has received several awards including honors for Outstanding Merit, Distinguished Service (DSA), Continuing Excellence (ACE) and Supervisor of the Month.
 
Beckstrom earned a bachelor’s degree, cum laude, from Spaulding University with a major in sociology and a minor in psychology and an associate degree in sociology from Jefferson Community College.