Gov. Spencer Cox has appointed Brian Redd to be the new executive director of the Utah Department of Corrections (Image courtesy of Twitter).
SALT LAKE CITY – Gov. Spencer Cox has appointed Brian Redd as the new executive director of the Utah Department of Corrections.
“Brian brings a wealth of experience in management, logistics, security and law enforcement,” Cox said. “We’re excited he’s willing to re-enter public service and look forward to his vision and leadership of the Utah Department of Corrections.”
Redd will succeed former San Pete County Sheriff Brian Nielson in the role of executive director of the Department of Corrections. Nielson announced his retirement on May 2.
Cox expressed his gratitude to Nielson for his contribution to the state of Utah, his dedication and hard work.
“Through a historic pandemic, an incredibly complex move to a new facility and difficult staffing shortages, (Nielson) showed leadership and perseverance through it all,” the governor remarked. “We thank him for his service and wish him the very best in his retirement.”
In his new role, Redd will manage, supervise, and control the correctional institutions operated and supported by the state; monitor and supervise the activities of private contract prisons; manage and supervise the assigned divisions, agencies, boards, and commissions; provide work and self-improvement opportunities for inmates; and establish an environment that promotes successful reentry into society for inmates in his charge.
One of Redd’s first priorities as executive director of the Utah Department of Corrections will undoubtedly be addressing concerns contained in a scathing legislative audit presented to state lawmakers in April that found a “culture of noncompliance” in the way Utah’s prison system provides health care to incarcerated individuals.
For the past two years, Redd has been vice president and manager in the Compliance Division of Goldman Sachs, overseeing digital security for that firm.
His previous experience included 21 years of service in the Utah Department of Public Safety, rising from the rank of Trooper to Agent, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and Chief Special Agent.
During that service, Redd also served as director of the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and the Statewide Information and Analysis Center (SIAC).
Redd holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and an executive master of public administration from Brigham Young University.
Redd’s appointment as executive director of the Department of Corrections will be subject to the approval of the Utah Senate.