MADISON – Department of Corrections (DOC) Secretary Rick Raemisch announced today that he has appointed Roberta Gaither as the new Chief to oversee Region 3 of the Division of Community Corrections (DCC), which encompasses Milwaukee County.

“With close to two decades of corrections experience in both the community and in the DOC adult prison system, Roberta Gaither brings a strong background to the position of Regional Chief,” Secretary Raemisch said. “She has shown a longstanding dedication to public safety in the Milwaukee area, and I am pleased she will be taking on this new leadership role.”

Gaither’s career in corrections began in 1990, when she joined the state as a Probation and Parole Agent. In 2001, Gaither promoted to the role of Corrections Field Supervisor, and in 2005, she joined the Division of Adult Institutions as Deputy Warden of the Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility (MSDF).

During her tenure at MSDF, Gaither worked on a variety of reentry initiatives and community collaborations. She brings to her new role key skills in supervision of professional staff, policy development and implementation, and partnerships with Milwaukee criminal justice and community members.

Gaither earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She previously participated in the Wisconsin Women in Government Seminar and the DOC Leadership Development Program.

Her appointment takes effect December 21, 2009. She succeeds former Regional Chief Sharon Williams, who in May 2009 promoted to the position of DCC Assistant Administrator.

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12/03/2009