| Deputy Director Appointment |
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| Appointment of Mitch Morrow |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 26, 2003
Contact:
Mary Ellen Glynn, (503) 378-6496
Marian Hammond, (503) 378-6169
Perrin Damon, Department of Corrections (503)945-0925
Governor announces appointment of Mitch Morrow as deputy director of the Oregon Department of Corrections
(Salem) – Governor Ted Kulongoski announced today the appointment of Mitch Morrow, 40, as deputy director of the Oregon Department of Corrections. Mr. Morrow, a 20-year career corrections professional, is the agency’s assistant director in charge of the Institutions Division, and has responsibility for 3,000 staff and 12,000 adult inmates.
Mr. Morrow succeeds Nick Armenakis as deputy director. Mr. Armenakis, who retires in December, is currently the agency’s interim director. A national search for a new director is currently underway.
“In searching for the best talent to run our correctional system, one name surfaced time and time again, and that was Mitch Morrow,” said Governor Kulongoski. “The across-the-board support for this appointment was overwhelming, from labor to victims to the business community. It is especially gratifying that this exceptional person’s career was nurtured from the front line, that his talents were recognized, and that he was able to earn the respect of so many people who have had the privilege to work with him.”
Mr. Morrow’s career began as a correctional officer at Oregon State Penitentiary. He steadily rose through the ranks, and became the maximum-security prison’s assistant superintendent of security in 1996 and acting superintendent in 1997. In 1998 he was appointed superintendent of Oregon State Correctional Institution.
In 2001 Mr. Morrow became administrator of the Department of Corrections’ business arm, Oregon Corrections Enterprises, which was created by the voters to help put all inmates to work while remaining financially self-sustaining. He developed lasting partnerships with the business community to train and engage inmates in productive activities during their incarceration that lead to good citizenship upon release.
Mr. Morrow is a graduate of George Fox University, holds multiple certifications from the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training as well as the National Institute of Corrections, is a graduate of the Pacific Program, and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in business administration from George Fox.
“I’m incredibly overwhelmed by the governor’s vote of confidence,” Mr. Morrow said. “His message about our agency is clear: public safety is first, we will continue to be accountable to the taxpayers, and people will leave our custody prepared to lead productive, law-abiding lives.”
Mr. Morrow lives in Salem with his wife and three sons.
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