03/04/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/04/2024 13:47
Milford- Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced the retirement of Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) Commissioner Carol Mici, who will conclude more than 36 years of state service at the end of the month. After serving over three decades in various roles throughout the DOC and more than five years as Commissioner, Mici's retirement takes effect March 29, 2024.
"Commissioner Mici has served Massachusetts for nearly 40 years, and I am deeply grateful for her significant contributions to criminal justice reform, operational enhancements, rehabilitation, and recidivism reduction," said Governor Maura Healey. "Massachusetts has benefitted greatly from her steady leadership and many years of selfless service. I wish her the best in her well-earned retirement."
"Commissioner Mici has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public service and always met every challenge of her demanding career with integrity, perseverance, and compassion," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "Commissioner Mici has led a remarkable life of service and for that, Massachusetts owes her a debt of gratitude."
"As a colleague and friend, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to Commissioner Mici for her service and leadership. Her remarkable career has earned the respect of her colleagues and national recognition among her peers in the corrections field as an innovator and transformative leader," said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. "I also wish to thank her loved ones for the support and sacrifices required throughout her long and distinguished public service career. I wish Commissioner Mici the very best in her retirement."
"I want to thank Governor Maura Healey, Lt. Governor Driscoll, the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, and the Baker-Polito Administration for placing their trust in me and providing the support and resources needed to promote public safety, advance rehabilitation, and ensure the health and well-being of those working and living in our facilities," said Commissioner Mici. "I am immensely proud of our team's accomplishments, humbled to have had the opportunity to serve as commissioner, and honored to have worked alongside countless dedicated public servants over the last 36 years."The Healey-Driscoll Administration is finalizing plans to establish a comprehensive search process to identify and review prospective candidates for the Department's next commissioner.
Shawn Jenkins, the DOC's Chief of Staff, will serve as Interim Commissioner as the search process continues. Jenkins was appointed Chief of Staff in 2022, serving as the agency's second in-command and collaborating with command staff to ensure the advancement of agency goals.
During Commissioner Mici's tenure, the DOC has created and implemented meaningful reforms in corrections policy, expanded the DOC's rehabilitative mission, fulfilled a commitment to improve relations with policymakers, and advanced numerous major initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, including:
About Commissioner Carol Mici
Carol Mici began her career as a Correction Program Officer in the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) in 1987. She was promoted several times throughout her career, until her appointment to Acting Commissioner on December 6, 2018, and then confirmed by Governor Charlie Baker on January 22, 2019. The DOC operates fourteen (14) correctional facilities, employs over 4,200 staff, has an annual budget of $807 million, and an incarcerated census of approximately 6,000.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Westfield State University with a Major in Psychology/Minor, Criminal Justice and a Master's in Public Administration from Suffolk University, Cum Laude.
She is a professional member of the American Correctional Association; International Corrections and Prison Association; and the Correctional Leaders Association and serves as the Northeast Regional Chair. Additionally, Ms. Mici is a graduate of the Executive Excellence Program with the National Institute of Corrections; a member of several committees and commissions both locally and nationally; has served on numerous expert panels, has been a member of several Task Force Committees and Governance Committees and works with several agencies and Sheriff's Departments across the Commonwealth to promote the vision and mission of the DOC.
About Interim Commissioner Shawn Jenkins
Shawn Jenkins was appointed Chief of Staff for the Massachusetts Department of Correction in March 2022. As Chief of Staff, Jenkins serves as the agency's second in-command, and has direct oversight of legislative and public affairs. He coordinates with Commissioner Mici to strengthen the Department's vision and mission and collaborates with command staff to ensure the implementation of the Department's annual goals.
Prior to joining the Department of Correction, he served as the Special Sheriff with the Middlesex Sheriff's Office for approximately eight years. He also served as Special Sheriff with the Worcester County Sheriff's Office for nearly four years. In both roles as Special Sheriff, he oversaw all aspects of facility operations including security, classification, personnel, legal and as primary point of contact for outside law enforcement agencies. Before joining the Sheriff's Offices, Shawn worked in different roles within the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, including a five-year appointment to the Sex Offender Registry Board.
He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government from Colby College in Waterville, Maine, a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell and a Master's Degree in Public Affairs from the University of Massachusetts at Boston.
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