FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (19-22)

CONTACT Laura Strimple, Chief of Staff

OFFICE 402-479-5713 | laura.strimple@nebraska.gov

May 7, 2019 (Lincoln, Neb.) – Today, Diane Sabatka-Rine, chief of operations, announced multiple leadership changes at Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) facilities.

Rich Cruickshank, previously warden at the Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP), will become the new warden for the Omaha Correctional Center (OCC). Cruickshank, who is Brigade Command Sergeant Major of the Nebraska Army National Guard, is returning to NDCS following a deployment that started in 2017. He has 35 years of experience with the agency.

Cruickshank will replace Warden Barb Lewien at OCC, who has been assigned to the Community Corrections Center – Lincoln (CCC-L). She has 22 years at NDCS.

Charlie West, who has 42 years of experience, will become warden of the Nebraska Correctional Youth Facility (NCYF). He was previously warden at CCC-L.

In addition to those new assignments, NDCS has appointed Angela Folts-Oberle to be the new warden at the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women (NCCW) in York. Folts-Oberle, who was hired at NDCS in 2001, has been serving as acting warden since February 2019. Her promotion is effective May 13. Wardens Cruickshank, Lewien and West began their new posts on May 6.

“Individually, these wardens have a wealth of diverse corrections experience,” said Sabatka-Rine. “We are proud of the accomplishments demonstrated by this group of wardens and are confident that under their leadership, we will continue to see great progress at those facilities directly impacted by these changes.”   

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