Kurt O. Wilson- Executive Director (A)

Kurt Wilson is a proud member of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Executive Team who leads the Corrections Standards Authority.  Prior to this assignment, he was appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to create the Office of External Affairs for CDCR.  As Chief, he strengthened communication between the Department and its external stakeholders (local law enforcement, local elected officials, community based organizations, etc.).  Wilson has a broad background in public service that transcends all levels of government.  He was among the rescue workers providing medical services on behalf of the federal government at New York’s Ground Zero following the September 11th attacks.   At the local level, in addition to being the elected Mayor Pro Tempore for the City of Rialto, he was appointed by San Bernardino Mayor Patrick J. Morris to create, and serve as the Director of, the Office of Community Safety and Violence Prevention.  His interest in juvenile delinquency stems from his tenure as a group home administrator for abused and neglected children with behavioral disorders (Innovation Treatment Centers, Inc.).  That passion drove him to create and serve as the Principal of a non public school for Emotionally Disturbed children whose complex behavioral challenges impeded academic process.  His exposure to these populations taught him valuable lessons that underscored the need for a more efficient service-delivery model throughout the public safety continuum.

In his current capacity, he oversees a dedicated 80-member staff which supports the 19-member CSA Board of Directors and the 15-member State Advisory Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention by carrying out a variety of fiscal and policymaking directives.  He and his staff manage an annual budget of more than $300 million for local assistance and approximately $1.3 billion in bond funds for the construction and renovation of various local adult and juvenile facilities.  
Wilson holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Management (Public Administration) from the University of LaVerne and two Master's degrees in Business Administration (MBA) and Education (M.Ed.).  He is also a graduate of Leadership Southern California (CORO), the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Academy, and the UCLA extension sequential program in Project Management.  He retains additional credentials as a certified group home administrator, Emergency Medical Technician, and Project Management Professional (PMP).