Governor Crist Taps Walt McNeil to Lead Department of Corrections

Above:  Walter McNeil was named today as Secretary of Florida’s Department of Corrections. 

Governor Charlie Crist held a press conference this morning in which the announcement was made that Department of Juvenile Justice (“DJJ”) Secretary Walter McNeil has been named to serve as Secretary of the Florida Department of Corrections.

No replacement yet has been named for McNeil’s now-vacated DJJ post.

Should you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact this office.

 

Governor Crist Taps Walt McNeil to Lead Department of Corrections

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today appointed Walter A. McNeil to serve as Secretary of the Department of Corrections.  McNeil most recently served as the Secretary of the Department of Juvenile Justice since January 2007. 

“Walt is an excellent leader and has done a tremendous job working with community partners to address the challenges within our juvenile justice system,” Governor Crist said.  “I am honored that he has agreed to transfer his leadership to the Department of Corrections, and I am confident he will continue the good work we have accomplished there.”

As Secretary of the Department of Juvenile Justice, McNeil appointed a 25-member Blueprint Commission to receive input from the public and a variety of stakeholders about reforming Florida’s juvenile justice system.  Last year, the commission held public hearings throughout the state and provided recommendations to the Governor and the Florida Legislature for improvements.  He repeatedly handled investigations related to youths in custody with openness and transparency.

“It has been an honor to serve our state in ensuring Florida’s young people have the opportunity to make good choices for their future success and to help those who have made poor choices to get their lives on the right track,” McNeil said.  “I look forward to serving the people of Florida in this new role and I am grateful for this opportunity.”

Before joining Governor Crist’s administration, McNeil served as Tallahassee Police Chief and was known throughout the state for being on the cutting edge of the law enforcement profession.  With 28 years of experience in virtually every area of police leadership, management, and supervision, McNeil has been an adjunct instructor at Florida A&M University.  He has received numerous awards, including Outstanding Service to the Community by the Tallahassee Chapter of 100 Black Men of America Inc. and Outstanding Service to Law Enforcement by the U.S. Attorney Northern District of Florida.  McNeil currently serves as the Fifth Vice President for the International Association of Chiefs of Police. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi and St. Johns University in Springfield, Louisiana.

McNeil will replace Colonel James McDonough, who has headed the agency since February 2006.  Prior to becoming Secretary, McDonough served as the director for the Office of Drug Control Policy.  From 1999-2006, he was the Director of Strategy for the Office of National Drug Control Policy and also served a full military career as a United States Army Officer. 

“Secretary McDonough is a man of impeccable integrity and has brought a new standard of professionalism, public service and transparency to the Department of Corrections,” Governor Crist said.  “In every way, he has improved the agency and leaves the agency in a much better place than when he arrived two years ago.”

 

 

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