An employee publication of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice
Summer 2025
A Farewell Letter to My TDCJ Family
Bryan Collier, Executive Director
Bryan Collier
TDCJ Executive Director
On August 31, I’ll be closing a significant chapter in my life as I retire after 40 years of service with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, including nine years as your Executive Director. As I reflect on my long and fulfilling career with this agency, it’s abundantly clear that I spent my time in the very best of company.
We often refer to ourselves as family at TDCJ, and it has truly been my honor and privilege to work alongside each of you. You are the unsung heroes of our communities, tirelessly dedicated to serving our great state. This work is tough and demands a lot from everyone, but what truly sets TDCJ apart is the way we care for one another. Whether you’ve been with us for two decades or 20 days, you are part of an exemplary group of men and women.
We are a family because we stand by each other through the toughest times, support one another’s growth, and take immense pride in the vital work we do for the people of Texas. Every role, every contribution, no matter how big or small, is essential to our collective success.
You’ll see this spirit of family reflected in this edition of Connections Magazine. The stories within these pages highlight what makes this agency so special – real stories of real people that remind us daily that TDCJ is not just a workplace, but a true community for many of us.
As I prepare for this next phase of my life, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your passion, contributions, and diligence in improving and advancing this agency. Serving as your Executive Director has been one of the greatest honors of my life. While there have certainly been challenges, I am incredibly proud of the significant strides we’ve made together, such as investing in rehabilitation, enhancing security, and implementing new technologies. I’ve personally witnessed the positive influence of our collective efforts on those incarcerated, their families, and our communities.
I eagerly anticipate connecting with many of you before my departure later this summer. I am excited to witness the continued success of this agency as you all continue to fulfill our mission and propel TDCJ forward. Thank you for an extraordinary career.
