In May, 35 year veteran of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Bill Stephens will retire from his position as the director of the agency's Correctional Institutions Division. Stephens joined the agency in 1981 as a correctional officer.

During his tenure Stephens served in various positions, to include sergeant – senior warden, and regional director. In 2009 he was selected for the Deputy Director of Prison and Jail Operations and promoted to Correctional Institutions Division Director in June of 2013. As CID director, he oversaw the daily operations of the agency's prison units and correctional staff.

Reflecting on his career with TDCJ, Stephens praised agency staff. "It has been a privilege to work with so many dedicated professionals over the last 35 years, particularly the men and women on the front lines. Their courage and commitment to public safety are values that many in our society take for granted. I will continue to pray for the safety of staff and offenders."

Taking his place as director of CID is Lorie Davis, another veteran TDCJ employee. Davis, who has 27 years' experience, began her career as a correctional officer and promoted through the security ranks.

With a bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University and a master's degree from Texas Tech University, Davis also possesses a wide range of experience.

She has worked as senior warden at nine different TDCJ facilities and was the director of correctional training. Her most recent assignment was the Deputy Director for Support Operations within the CID.

Congratulating Davis on her promotion to director of the Correctional Institutions Division, TDCJ Executive Director Brad Livingston said, "Lorie brings strong operational oversight and leadership abilities to this position and will serve our agency well."