Executive Director Staff Development and Training
Nancy Riley
Executive Director Riley earned her Bachelor of Science Degree at Indiana State University, she began her correction’s career in 1995 at Madison County Juvenile Center as a Youth Care Worker. In 1999, she joined the Department of Correction as a Correctional Training Officer. She returned to her alma mater, ISU, while working full-time to obtain her master's degree. She found her true passion in training, promoted to the top as the Executive Director over Staff Development and Training in January 2013. Ms. Riley is responsible for the training of all IDOC staff as well as the Department’s Strategic Plan. The plan is put in place to guide the IDOC through two (2) years of operations. It sets goals and objectives with clearly identified value statements, strategic issues, strategic goals, strategic statements, objectives, responsible parties, action plans, and working groups. She is responsible for managing the Department’s Focus Groups to constantly improve the Department. Focus Groups bring the individuals from the field to the table to evaluate a problem and develop solutions. Since becoming Executive Director, Ms. Riley has been instrumental in developing programs such as the three-tier DOC Supervisory programs, “Women in Leadership”, “Leaving A Legacy”, Experienced and Emerging Leaders (EEL), Leadership Academy, the Joint Understanding and Cooperation program (JUCP), Promoting a Positive Culture in Corrections (PPCC) and many more. Ms. Riley works closely with the training staff throughout the state in developing new and positive training opportunities for the field.
Executive Director of Transitional Healthcare
Executive Director of Physical Health
Nikki Tafoya
Executive Director Tafoya oversees the navigation of physical health for populations of those who are incarcerated within Indiana Department of Correction, Nikki holds a Bachelor of Nursing degree from Indiana University. Nikki began her career with the Indiana Department of Correction in April of 2007 as a Registered Nurse at New Castle Correctional Facility. She was promoted to Charge Nurse in 2010 and Director of Nursing in 2012. In June of 2015, Nikki came to IDOC Central Office as a Medical Quality Assurance Manager. Nikki has played a key role in elevating the way in which the Medical Division delivers comprehensive medical care. She brings a wealth of experience, aptitude, and professionalism.
Executive Director of Mental Health Services
Dr. Deanna Dwenger
Executive Director Dwenger is a graduate of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology with a doctorate in clinical psychology and concentration in forensics. Her passion for corrections began while working with pre-adjudicated juveniles and court-ordered domestic violence individuals in the Chicago-land area. Dr. Dwenger then went on to complete her pre-doctoral internship with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. In 2013, Dr. Dwenger began her service as Lead Psychologist at New Castle Psychiatric. She eventually became the Associate Regional IPAS and Special Needs Director, and in 2017 served as the Director of Behavioral Health for Wexford Health. Dr. Dwenger is a member of the American Psychology-Law Society, International Association for Correctional and Forensic Psychology and The World Professional Association for Transgender Health. She is passionate about delivering quality addiction services and mental health treatment to those within the Indiana Department of Correction.
Executive Director of Programs and Re-Entry Readiness
John Mather
Executive Director Mather serves as the Executive Director of Programs and Re-Entry Readiness. John began his career as a Correctional Officer at the Edinburgh Correctional Facility where he was promoted to Caseworker, Casework Manager, and Unit Team Manager. John came to the Central Office location in 2015 as a Re-Entry Medicaid Monitor and supervised the newly established Medicaid Processing Unit. He then transitioned into the role of a Re-Entry Monitor and conducted quality assurance audits and training for Case Management staff across the state. In 2017, John returned to the field as a Unit Team Manager and Correctional Police Officer, most recently at the Correctional Industrial Facility, before returning to Central Office as the Director of Case Management. John is a 2015 EEL graduate and has served on several focus groups and taskforces for the Department. He received his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, with a minor in Sociology, from Indiana University in Bloomington
Chief Digital Officer
Sarah Schelle
Chief Digital Officer. Ms. Schelle oversees both the Technology Service Division and the Division of Data Science and Analytics. She has been with the Department since 2007. Sarah has served as the Executive Director of Legislation and Data Science, the Deputy Director of Legislative Services, and as a data analyst. Sarah is the co-chair of the Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council's Evidence-Based Decision-Making Data Group and has been involved in several high-profile Department projects, including the assaults prediction and reduction initiative. She has won several national awards including the American Criminology Association's Practitioner of the Year Award and GCN's Government Innovation Award. She recently was nominated for the State Scoop 50 Award for "State Up and Comer" and the Route50 Navigator Award. Sarah Obtained her bachelor's degree from Indiana University Bloomington in Criminal Justice and Psychology. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati with her master's degree in Criminal Justice, with a concentration in Crime Prevention Research.
.
Executive Director, Emergency Response Operations
Dr. Richard L. Curry, Jr.
Executive Director Curry started his career with the Indiana Department of Correction in June 1992 as a correctional officer at the Plainfield Correctional Facility. After being promoted through the ranks to Correctional Major he was promoted to Assistant Warden at the Putnamville Correctional Facility. In December 2006, Richard was appointed as the Superintendent of the Marion County Juvenile Detention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. Richard’s background in corrections is numerous and includes instructor qualifications in leadership, emergency response operations, thinking for a change, dealing with youth incarcerated as adults, cultural competency, and cultural diversity. He serves as Senior Pastor the True Tried Missionary Baptist Church in Indianapolis and participates in various community activities to assist in the repair of the troubled north-side community. In addition, Richard also served in the United States Army for 13 years, participating in Desert Shield/Storm. In 2006, E.D. Curry graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University with a bachelor's degree in Business Management. In 2009, Richard graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University with a master's degree in Leadership. He also holds a doctorate degree of Strategic Leadership from Regent University earned in 2022.
Northern Regional Director, Adult Facilities
William "Bill" Wilson
Executive Director Wilson is responsible for the Northern Region Facility Operations and the development of the Digital Media Project for the Department. Executive Director Wilson began his career with the Department as a Correctional Officer in 1991 at the Maximum Control Complex (MCC). Bill has served as a Counselor (MCC), Casework Manager (WCC), Unit Manager (WCC), and was Assistant Superintendent at both Westville Correctional Facility and Indiana State Prison. He most recently served as the Superintendent of the Indiana State Prison for the past four years. Executive Director Wilson holds an Associate Degree in Mortuary Science from Vincennes University and a bachelor's degree in general studies with a minor in Criminal Justice from Indiana University. He has been a Certified Correctional Executive since October 2007 and in 2009 was named IDOC's Superintendent of the Year. Bill and his wife Lynn have been married for 32 years and have two children, Reilly and Krysten.
Executive Director of the Division of Youth Services
Terrie Decker
Executive Director Decker serves as the Executive Director for the Division of Youth Services. Terrie has extensive experience in law enforcement, child welfare and corrections. Prior to joining the DYS team, she was the Director of Operations for Southwest Indiana Regional Youth Village in Vincennes, Indiana. She began her career with IDOC/DYS as the Director of Juvenile Detention Inspections and was then promoted to Director of External Relations. Terrie received her bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security and Public Safety from Vincennes University, and her master’s degree in Public Administration from Indiana State University. Prior to relocating to Indianapolis, Terrie was a lifelong resident of Vincennes, Indiana. She enjoys time with her family and riding her Harley.
Executive Director and Inspector General/Public Safety Liaison
Richard Brown
Executive Director Brown serves as the Executive Director of Adult Facilities for the Indiana Department of Correction. He oversees adult facilities and GEO-operated facilities. Executive Director Brown began his career with the Department of Correction on August 26, 1991, as a Correctional Officer for Putnamville Correctional Facility. The following year he was part of the first class of correctional officers for Wabash Valley Correctional Facility. While at WVCF, Richard was promoted and served several positions including Correctional Counselor, Correctional Casework Manager, and Unit Team Manager. Mr. Brown was promoted to Deputy Warden of Operations at WVCF in 2002, where he also held the position of Deputy Warden of Programs. In 2006 Mr. Brown transferred to Rockville Correctional Facility as Deputy Warden of Operations until 2010 where he returned to WVCF as Warden. On April 1, 2020, Mr. Brown was assigned as the Executive Director of Adult Facilities. Executive Director Brown graduated with an A.S. Degree in Corrections from Vincennes University in 1989. After graduating from V.U. he transferred to Indiana State University and graduated in 1992 with a B.S. Degree in Criminology. He is also a 2007 graduate of the Experienced and Emerging Leaders Program. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time outdoors, running, and traveling.
Executive Director of Classification
Jack Hendrix
Executive Director Hendrix serves as the Executive Director of Classification for the Indiana Department of Correction. In addition to supervising the Agency Classification Division, he also supervises the IDOC Offender Release Division, IDOC Offender Movement and Support Services and IDOC Offender Records Division. Mr. Hendrix began his career with the Indiana Department of Correction in 1986 as a Correctional Officer at the Putnamville Correctional Facility. Since that time, he has served in a variety of positions such as Correctional Counselor, Supervisor of Classification, Program Director, Unit Team Manager and Assistant Superintendent (Offender Programming & Re-Entry Services and Adult Operations). In addition to these positions, Mr. Hendrix has been chosen to serve on a wide variety of Agency level committees in each of his assignment areas. Mr. Hendrix was selected as a founding board member of the Correctional Professional Assistance Fund of Indiana, where he continues to serve in the capacity of CPAFI Vice Chairman. Prior to his promotion to his current position, Mr. Hendrix has enjoyed professional experiences at the Putnamville Correctional Facility, Branchville Correctional Facility and Wabash Valley Correctional Facility. Mr. Hendrix earned multiple degrees in Criminology from Indiana State University, College of Arts and Sciences. Throughout his career, Mr. Hendrix has been an active member of the Indiana Criminal Justice Association, holding numerous committee chair positions and elected offices, including ICJA President and Board Chair. Jack continues to remain highly active in a variety of faith-based, professional, and civic organizations.