Department of Corrections
Vanessa Kennedy Promoted to Deputy Warden at Western Kentucky Correctional Complex

Kentucky Department of Corrections Deputy Commissioner Al Parke today announced that Vanessa Kennedy has been promoted to Deputy Warden at Western Kentucky Correctional Complex. Kennedy is an 11-year veteran of the Department and currently serves as a Unit Administrator II at the Kentucky Correctional Institution for Women (KCIW). Her promotion is effective April 16th.

Kennedy began her career in January 1999 at KCIW, first working at the institution as a transportation officer. She was promoted to sergeant in October of that same year and was in charge of the KCIW Assessment Center. In April 2001 she was again promoted, this time to Classification and Treatment Officer.

“Vanessa Kennedy is one of the up and coming young professionals in our Department who has done an outstanding job for us in every role she has held,” said Parke. “This is a great opportunity for her and a wonderful opportunity for Western Kentucky Correctional Complex to benefit from her fresh ideas and enthusiasm for the job.”

She has served as a member of the KCIW CERT (Correctional Emergency Response Team) for several years and recently attended training to become a certified Hostage Negotiator. In November 2005 Kennedy was promoted to Unit Administrator I and ran the prison’s Special Management Unit. She was promoted to her current position in 2007.

 During Kennedy’s 11 years with DOC she has literally served in nearly all job posts at the institutional level. She has been the prison’s back-up transfer coordinator, supervised the institutional property and laundry rooms and worked in the pre-release office. She was also involved in the “Scared Straight” program at KCIW. She has received accolades for her service to the Department: in 2009 she was the recipient of KCIW’s Achievement Award and has twice been named Employee of the Month.

Kennedy is a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University where she received her bachelor’s degree in Corrections and Juvenile Services. She also attended Sullivan University where she received her master’s degree, cum laude, in Conflict Management.

A native of Louisville, Kennedy is a member of KCCD (Kentucky Council on Crime and Delinquency).