FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (17-09)

CONTACT Dawn-Renee Smith, Communications Director

OFFICE 402-479-5713 | dawnrenee.smith@nebraska.gov

March 10, 2017 (Lincoln, Neb.) – Director Scott R. Frakes announced today several leadership changes at Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) facilities. Rich Cruickshank, warden of the Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP) and Brigade Command Sergeant Major of the Nebraska Army National Guard has been called back to service and will be on deployment for approximately one year.

As an employer, NDCS is committed to hiring and supporting current and former members of the military. In 2016, 60 employees were active National Guard members.

“We highly respect Warden Cruickshank’s commitment and service to our country. His leadership is invaluable to the mission of this agency, but we also support the National Guard’s work to keep the nation safe,” said Director Frakes. “We look forward to his safe return in 2018 when we will evaluate the needs of the agency and determine where his talents as warden are best suited.”

In order to maintain the quality of leadership needed to operate correctional facilities, Director Frakes has reorganized facility leadership. “Appointing people in a temporary capacity as warden for an extended period of time would hinder the agency’s efforts to transform the correctional system,” said Director Frakes. “The permanent assignment of wardens ensures clear leadership and allows progress to continue.”

Robert Madsen, currently warden at the Community Corrections Center – Lincoln (CCC-L) has been appointed warden of the Nebraska State Penitentiary. Madsen has served the department for 28 years and was the deputy warden at NSP prior to his appointment at CCC-L in 2015.

Charles West, currently warden at the Community Corrections Center – Omaha (CCC-O) has been appointed warden of CCC-L. West has served as warden of CCC-O since 2010. He has been with the agency for 40 years.

Ryan Mahr, currently warden of the Nebraska Correctional Youth Facility (NCYF) will serve as warden of both CCC-O and NCYF. Combining the leadership of these two facilities works well as they sit approximately two blocks apart and have a combined capacity of 248 beds. Mahr currently operates NCYF and previously served as warden of CCC-O for nine years of his 32-year career.

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