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New Deputy Director over Programs at NDOC

The Humboldt Sun - 7/20/2017

The Nevada Department of Corrections (NDOC) Director James Dzurenda announces the selection of Kim Tobias Thomas, J.D. as the new Deputy Director of Programs. Thomas will begin August 14th to replace David Tristan who has moved into the Deputy Director of Industrial Programs position which was recently vacated when Brian Connett retired.

Thomas began his career in 1983 as a corrections officer for the state of Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC). He worked his way up to Sergeant and Classification Specialist before completing law school in 1993. For the next ten years, Thomas served as Assistant General Counsel and later took over as General Counsel defending the department in major class-action lawsuits regarding prison conditions, healthcare and employment discrimination. As General Counsel, Thomas handled all types of litigation including contract and settlement negotiations, jury and bench trials, mediation, reviewing proposed legislation and anticipated administrative actions among other legal business.

In 2011 Thomas was appointed Commissioner for the Alabama Department of Corrections where he focused his efforts toward meaningful re-entry and values based leadership as well as reforms aimed at female offenders and gender responsive operations. His commitment to successful inmate reintegration was evident by his involvement with the Justice Reinvestment Initiative, a data-driven approach to improve public safety, decrease spending and reduce recidivism. As Commissioner, he managed all custody and operations which included 29 facilities, 26,000 inmates, 4,000 staff members and more than $450 million in state funding. Thomas retired after 32 years with the department.

"Few people have the skill and experience Kim Thomas brings to the NDOC." stated Director James Dzurenda. "His understanding of key issues we are facing in Nevada, and his willingness to do what it takes to make positive change, will be incredible assets to our department and to our state."

Deputy Director Thomas will be working out of the Las Vegas Administrative Office located at the Casa Grande Transitional Housing Facility. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice/Corrections from Marshall University and his Juris Doctorate is from Birmingham School of Law.