RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Department of Corrections Director Chad Dotson will step down as Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s term comes to a close, according to the agency.
Dotson’s final day with the Virginia Department of Corrections will be Jan. 16, concluding more than two years in leading the state’s corrections system. He was appointed director in September 2023.
In a statement announcing his departure, VADOC thanked Dotson for his “distinguished and dedicated public service,” citing his leadership at the agency as well as his prior roles as chairman of the Virginia Parole Board, a member of the State Drug Court Advisory Board, a circuit and general district court judge, and a commonwealth’s attorney.
During his tenure, Dotson focused on strengthening the department’s ability to confront modern corrections challenges, including increasingly sophisticated efforts to smuggle drugs — such as fentanyl — weapons and other contraband into facilities.
In May 2025, Dotson announced that Virginia’s recidivism rate had fallen to 17.6%, the lowest in the nation. The commonwealth has ranked first or second nationally for recidivism rates for 12 consecutive years, according to VADOC.
Dotson also launched the Virginia Model, an initiative introduced in 2024 at Lawrenceville Correctional Center and later expanded to Buckingham Correctional Center, Dillwyn Correctional Center and Cluster S1 at Greensville Correctional Center in September 2025. The model is designed to improve safety and security for staff and incarcerated individuals by promoting accountability, personal investment, and community through structured incentives and sanctions.
Dotson represented VADOC at the state, national and international levels during his tenure, helping position the agency as a leader in corrections practices, the department said.
VADOC officials said they wish Dotson well as he departs the agency. Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger is scheduled to be inaugurated on Jan. 17.
