By C1 Staff
SPRINGFIELD — Department of Corrections Director Salvador A. “Tony” Godinez is retiring from public service, effective Dec. 31.
The Southern reports that Godinez was appointed by Gov. Pat Quinn as director in 2011 and was unanimously confirmed by the Illinois Senate three days later.
Before he was director, he served as executive director of the Cook County Department of Corrections for five years, and spent 27 years of his 42-year corrections career in Illinois.
Despite numerous facilities closing during his tenure, including the controversial shuttering of Tamms Correctional Center two years ago, Godinez oversaw continued efforts to provide complete medical and mental health care to inmates, and ushered in an increase of women serving in supervisory roles.