Former BHS alum Gibbs named next ISP warden

BY CHUCK VANDENBERG
PCC EDITOR

FORT MADISON – The Iowa Board of Corrections voted unanimously today in support of the appointment of Randy Gibbs as the next warden of the Iowa State Penitentiary (ISP). This appointment was recommended to the board by Interim Director Dan Craig. Gibbs will replace retiring warden Patti Wachtendorf on May 23, 2019.

Gibbs, a graduate of Burlington High School, and currently the warden of the Clarinda Correctional Facility (CCF), has served in his current capacity since May of 2017. He started his career with Iowa Corrections as a Correctional Officer at the Anamosa State Penitentiary in 1991. Throughout his career he has held such positions as: Lieutenant, Captain, Training Officer, Treatment Services Director, Associate Warden of Security, and Assistant Deputy Director of Institutional Operations.

Cord Overton, the communications director for the Iowa Department of Corrections, said Wachtendorf's announcement wasn't a surprise to the DOC.

"Patti's been planning her retirement for a while," Overton said this morning.

“Warden Gibbs has a track record of providing outstanding leadership and dedication throughout his long career with Corrections," Craig said. "The Iowa State Penitentiary will be in good hands with Warden Gibbs’ commitment to providing a safe and positive environment for our ISP team members, and a secure and rehabilitative environment for the incarcerated men.”

When Gibbs takes on the role of Warden at ISP, Stephen Weis, the Deputy Warden of the Clarinda Correctional Facility will take on the duty of Acting Warden at CCF.