Department of Corrections
Erwin named Director for the Kentucky Department of Corrections

      Frankfort, KY – Kentucky Department of Corrections Commissioner John D. Rees announced the appointment of James L. Erwin as Director of Adult Institutions effective September 17. “Erwin has extensive experience in the field of corrections and will be an asset to the department,” said Rees. “We need this type of experience to place Kentucky on the leading edge of the corrections community.  In addition, we’d like to welcome James back to Kentucky after his tenure with Ohio.” 
      Erwin began his career in August of 1985 as a Correctional Officer with Jefferson County.  In 1987 he began work with the state of Kentucky as a Classification and Treatment Officer at the Kentucky State Reformatory (KSR).  Erwin continued his career at KSR as a Unit Administrator until 1996 when he began work for the Ohio Department of Corrections as an inspector of institutional services. He continued his career in Ohio as a Unit Management Administrator, Deputy Warden, acting Warden and Warden at several Ohio Prisons. He has been Warden at two institutions with large populations specializing in mental health residential treatment, penal industries, sex offender treatment and substance abuse treatment. 
      Erwin is a 1984 graduate of Centre College in Danville and received his masters in Administrative Justice from the University of Louisville in 1987. He is a member of several professional organizations including the American Correctional Association, North American Association of Wardens and Superintendents, Ohio Wardens and Superintendents Association and International Association of Reentry. 
      Erwin, his wife Jo, and their two children, Jessica and Ben, will reside in Crestwood.