| Top State Prison Administrators Named |
|
|
 |
|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, April 17, 1998
CONTACT: Perrin Damon (503)945-0925
TOP STATE PRISON ADMINISTRATORS NAMED
Following an extensive nationwide search, Oregon Department of Corrections Director David S. Cook announced today the selection of two assistant directors to lead the department´s Institutions Division into the 21st century.
S. Frank Thompson and Nicholas L. Armenakis were both promoted from superintendent positions in large state prisons to co-manage the entire prison system. Both gentlemen had been acting assistant directors since the October retirement of Assistant Director of Institutions Al Chandler.
Because of the growth in the state corrections system, including seven new prisons slated to open over the next decade, Director Cook decided to recruit two top corrections executives to oversee the institutions. Director Cook and Deputy Director Benjamin de Haan personally interviewed more than ten top-notch candidates, seven of whom were from out-of-state. "Frank and Nick stood out from the crowd," Mr. Cook said. "My confidence level in their abilities, plus their track record over the past six months made the decision easy."
"It´s gratifying to promote two professionals who have exceeded our expectations with every challenge we threw their way," added Dr. de Haan. "Their exemplary credentials stand up to those of the best in the business, and we interviewed some outstanding candidates."
Frank Thompson, 55, was superintendent of Oregon State Penitentiary from December, 1994 until last fall when he accepted the temporary assignment in the department´s administration. He shepherded the state´s only maximum security institution through some changing times, including two executions, a voter-mandate to engage all inmates in work programs, a growing population of increasingly violent inmates, and a police investigation into criminal activity by staff.
"Through thick and thin, Frank maintained his characteristic calm and consistent demeanor, sound judgment and willingness to act decisively," Director Cook said. "He has never been afraid of doing the right thing, even at the risk of opening himself up to criticism."
Mr. Thompson was recruited from the Arkansas Department of Corrections, where he had quickly climbed through the management ranks from personnel administrator to warden of an 800-inmate prison and boot camp. His prior experience includes being executive director of the Economic Opportunity Agency of Washington County(Arkansas), a community action agency. He was also director of the Little Rock Jobs Corps Center preparing and assisting clients to learn work skills and gain productive employment.
Mr. Thompson also has extensive experience in higher education, and has served as an associate dean of students, an assistant dean in minority affairs, a supervisor of resident assistants, an instructor in Black History and a criminal investigator at the University of Arkansas. Additionally he is a Vietnam-era Army veteran in the military police. He is very active in several Salem-area community organizations.
Nick Armenakis, 46, was promoted to assistant director after serving as superintendent of Oregon State Correctional Institution in Salem for over two years. "Nick is an Oregon success story. He ascended through the ranks in his 22-year career, and is a top-notch administrator, supervisor, role model and team player," Director Cook said. "His extensive background in institutional security combined with his rock-solid management experience led to our decision to ask him to join our executive management team."
For seven years Mr. Armenakis was the assistant superintendent of Oregon State Penitentiary responsible for all of the security operations of the state´s only maximum security prison. He routinely filled in as superintendent when necessary, including a 5-month stint as acting superintendent in 1994. He also played a key role in the design and operational start-up of the Intensive Management Unit, Oregon´s super-max facility for maximum security inmates.
Almost all of Mr. Armenakis´s professional career has been in corrections with the exception of a four-year tour of duty in the US Navy. He is an avid golfer and skier, and also enjoys camping.
4/17/98 hagenb
last revision 2-22-2000 peg cook
|
|
|
|
