News Release from: Oregon Dept. of Corrections Posted: February 8th, 2013 3:42 PM
DOC announces leadership changes in eastern Oregon
The director of the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) recently announced several changes to leadership positions on the east side of the state.
Colette S. Peters named Steven Franke as the department's interim eastside institutions administrator and Jeri Taylor as the interim superintendent of Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) in Umatilla.
Franke is stepping in after the recent retirement of Sharon Blacketter who had worked for the department for more than 20 years. As the eastside institutions administrator, Franke will provide broad oversight and strategic leadership to six prisons east of the Cascades that collectively house more than half of the 14,200 adults in DOC custody. Franke will be stationed primarily out of TRCI.
Franke joined the department in 1985 as a corrections officer at Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem. He worked his way up the ranks from officer to captain, and from security manager to various assistant superintendent positions. He has served as the superintendent of TRCI since June 2010.
Taylor began her career with the department in 1984 and joined the security staff in 1986 as an officer. She later promoted to sergeant when she was assigned to supervise the temporary housing of 180 female inmates at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution in Pendleton. Taylor continued to work her way up the security ranks, ultimately becoming the assistant superintendent of security at TRCI in June 2010.
"The extensive security experience and strong understanding of the operations of our eastside facilities make both Mr. Franke and Ms. Taylor uniquely qualified for these positions," said DOC Director Peters. "We welcome both professionals into their new roles and look forward to their continued leadership."
TRCI is a medium and minimum security facility in Umatilla that houses approximately 1,800 men in custody. It provides a range of correctional services and programs, including education, treatment programs, pre-release and transitional services, and work opportunities. TRCI opened in March 2000.
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