April 24, 2007

Secretary Frank names new
Superintendent of Southern Oaks

Longtime DOC leader Jane Dier-Zimmel to oversee
Juvenile Correctional Institution for girls

UNION GROVE – Department of Corrections (DOC) Secretary Matt Frank today announced
the appointment of Jane Dier-Zimmel as the new Superintendent of Southern Oaks Girls School (SOGS).

“Jane Dier-Zimmel’s extensive experience in corrections and social work provides a strong background in leading Southern Oaks in its mission of providing juvenile females with
accountability, education, treatment and an opportunity to succeed,” Secretary Frank said. “Her leadership skills will complement our strong staff at Southern Oaks who are committed to making
 a real difference in the lives of the girls who are entrusted to the Department’s custody by the courts.  Jane Dier-Zimmel will continue Southern Oaks’ strong track record of low recidivism
rates and positive outcomes for these youth.” 

Dier-Zimmel brings 33 years of experience in the corrections and human services professions to SOGS.  She began her career in 1974 as a correctional officer at Taycheedah Correctional Institution (TCI) and progressed through the classification.  In 1980, Dier-Zimmel began working
as a social worker in the Dodge County Department of Social Services, where she gained
extensive experience working with children and families. She returned to the Department in
1990 as a social worker at Waupun Correctional Institution (WCI).

Dier-Zimmel joined the management ranks in 1991 as social services director at WCI and spent nine years shaping the facility’s social services programs and managing a staff of social workers and support staff. In 2000, she moved into the role of corrections unit supervisor at Columbia Correctional Institution (CCI).  She moves to SOGS from the Thompson Correctional Center
(TCC) in Deerfield, where she has been Superintendent since 2001 and also led Oregon Correctional Center (OCC) in a dual role for more than two years over this time.

Dier-Zimmel has served on and chaired a number of DOC committees, including: the Division of Adult Institution’s Health Care Management Council, Policy Committee, and Strategic Re-entry Curriculum Committee; the Division of Community Corrections’ Region 1 Re-entry Development Committee; and the Wisconsin Correctional Center System’s Health Advisory Panel and
Procedure Committee.

Dier-Zimmel earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of
Wisconsin-Green Bay and is a licensed social worker.

Dier-Zimmel’s appointment goes into effect May 14, 2007. She replaces former Superintendent Patricia Ogren, who has retired from state service.

Southern Oaks is one of three DOC Juvenile Correctional Institutions in Wisconsin. The other facilities – Lincoln Hills School and Ethan Allen School – manage delinquent male youths. 

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05/15/2007