The Kentucky State Penitentiary has a female warden, the first in the 132-year old prison’s history, effective July 1.
DeEdra Hart was named to the position Wednesday by Kentucky Department of Corrections Commissioner Jim Erwin, who says the 23-year veteran of corrections is the logical choice, given her experience and expertise.
Hart most recently served as warden at Green River Correctional Complex since 2015 and before that served as deputy warden at the Western Kentucky Correctional Complex. She began her career at that facility in 1995 as a correctional officer.
Hart says, “I am truly honored to be selected to lead such an outstanding team of corrections professionals who are dedicated to the mission of public safety and the rehabilitation of the inmate population.”
She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and political science from Murray State University and has been the recipient of the Commissioner’s Achievement Award and the Mary Frances Cooper Award.