Associated Press
LANSING, Mich. — The warden at a state prison in Jackson will become director of the Michigan Department of Corrections.
Gov. Rick Snyder has tapped Heidi Washington to replace Dan Heyns by the end of June. Heyns has been in charge of the prison system for four years.
In a statement Friday, Snyder says Heyns will help coordinate criminal justice strategy on a statewide basis.
Washington is warden at the Egeler Reception and Guidance Center in Jackson, where new male inmates are processed before getting a prison assignment. She has worked at the Corrections Department for 17 years and holds a bachelor’s degree and law degree.
Washington says she was approached by the governor’s staff. She says her priorities will include helping prisoners “become more successful.”