The Utah Department of Corrections announced the upcoming departure of Executive Director Rollin Cook who has served five years in his current position and dedicated 29 years of overall service to the State of Utah.
“I am grateful for Rollin’s years of dedicated service to the State of Utah, and for his leadership in the Department of Corrections,” said Gov. Gary R. Herbert. “Rollin leaves behind a legacy of hard work and accomplishment, and while we will miss him, we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
Since his appointment, Cook has transformed the department by adopting servant leadership principles.
He has made employees the department’s top priority, engaging them in decision-making, ensuring they have the proper resources to do their jobs, and providing the support they need to succeed personally and professionally.
During his tenure, Cook has advocated for and received pay increases for the department’s certified officers including a career ladder; opened dialogue with community partners; directed key policy reforms related to such areas as visiting, mental health and restricted housing; and tapped administrative leaders capable of positioning the department for future innovation and success.
“Although it is difficult to leave such an incredible organization and its extraordinary employees, it’s time for me to engage new professional opportunities and spend more time with my family,” said Cook. “I’m excited for the future, but also saddened to be leaving an organization and its people who are of the highest caliber and whom I genuinely love.”
Rollin previously worked for the Salt Lake County corrections system. He joined the county in 1989 and worked his way through the jail’s ranks from officer to, ultimately, chief deputy. Rollin also led the re-opening of a closed jail as a therapeutic-style facility with expanded programming.
Cook’s departure will be effective May 15, 2018. The governor will appoint an interim director in the near future.
