WASHINGTON — Joshua J. Smith, a Tennessee businessman and former federal inmate whose appointment as deputy director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons broke new ground for the agency, has stepped down after about 14 months in the role.
BOP Director William K. Marshall III announced Smith’s departure Aug. 25 but did not provide a reason or name a successor.
“On behalf of the Bureau, I want to thank Josh for his service and contributions and wish him and his family all the best in the future,” Marshall said in a statement.
Smith joined the BOP in June 2025, bringing an unusual background to the agency’s second-highest leadership position. He previously served five years at a federal prison camp in Kentucky for his involvement in marijuana and cocaine trafficking, according to his biography.
President Donald Trump granted Smith a full pardon in January 2021, citing his post-release business success, support for criminal justice reform and work helping people returning from prison. Smith’s pardon was supported by Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee.
After leaving prison, Smith built a service company into a multimillion-dollar business and founded the Fourth Purpose Foundation, a nonprofit focused on prison culture, staff development, rehabilitation and reentry.
When announcing Smith’s appointment, Marshall said Smith brought a perspective the agency had never had at that level.
“Josh brings to this role something our agency has never had before at this level: a perspective shaped by lived experience, proven innovation and national impact,” Marshall wrote at the time.
Smith was tasked with helping the BOP implement the First Step Act, support staff and expand rehabilitative programming.
Marshall said the bureau remains focused on protecting public safety, maintaining safe and secure facilities and supporting its workforce and those in its custody.
