Department of Corrections
Pancake Promoted to Warden at WKCC

Frankfort, KY – Kentucky Department of Corrections Commissioner John D. Rees today announced the appointment of Becky Pancake as warden of the Western Kentucky Correctional Complex (WKCC). Pancake is a 27-year veteran of Corrections and most recently served as deputy warden at WKCC. She replaces Tom Simpson who was promoted to warden at the Kentucky State Penitentiary (KSP).

“Becky Pancake is a career Corrections professional who will lead Western Kentucky Correctional Complex as it completes its renovation and expansion,” said Rees. “She knows the institution and she knows the staff and she knows what both are capable of achieving. She will be an asset to my team of 13 state correctional administrators.”

Pancake began her career in 1978 as a Correctional Officer at KSP. She was promoted a year later to Classification & Treatment Officer and in 1985, transferred to WKCC where she’s held the positions of CTO SR., Unit Administrator and in 2002, promoted to her most recent position of deputy warden. In 2004, she served as interim warden at WKCC.

A member of the American Correctional Association (ACA), Southern States Correctional Association (SSCA) and the Kentucky Council on Crime and Delinquency (KCCD), Pancake was named WKCC’s employee of the year in 1986 and 2000.

Pancake is a 1979 graduate of Murray State University where she received her degree in criminal justice. She is a resident of Lyon County and her daughter Courtney attends Western Kentucky University. Pancake takes an active part in school athletic booster organizations and church Upward Basketball.