Jeff Macomber named new CDCR Secretary
Governor Gavin Newsom today announced CDCR Secretary Kathleen Allison will retire by the end of 2022. She has served the people of California for more than three decades.
“Under Kathy’s expert leadership, our state’s prisons have expanded transformative opportunities for rehabilitation and job training, supporting successful outcomes for participants as well as public safety,” said Governor Newsom. “I’m deeply grateful to Kathy for lending her more than three decades of distinguished leadership, knowledge and experience at a pivotal time for the Department and wish her the best in her next chapter.”
From the start of her career at CDCR as a Medical Technical Assistant at Avenal State Prison in 1987 to being appointed the first female CDCR Secretary in October 2020, Secretary Allison has seen immense changes in the corrections landscape. She has overseen the thoughtful implementation of many criminal justice reforms, as well as developing policies and programs that provide people with real opportunities for success after incarceration.
“There are not enough words to describe how incredibly proud I am of the work and tenacity of every single person I have met and worked with in CDCR,” Allison said. “Even through some of our most challenging times we have seen, it is truly unmatched. Together, we have accomplished a lot, and I want to thank each and every one of you for contributing to making this one of the best places to work in California.”
Governor Newsom also announced today Jeff Macomber will serve as the next CDCR Secretary effective December 28, 2022. Macomber has served as Undersecretary of Operations at CDCR since October 2020.
Macomber has nearly 30 years of diverse experience at CDCR, including leadership roles in custody, administration, and health care.
Secretary Macomber is committed to employee wellness and professional development. He understands the importance of providing meaningful and diverse rehabilitative opportunities to the people in our care. Macomber believes in fostering a correctional system built on opportunities and personal growth to build a safer California.
“With his extensive experience at the Department, deep knowledge of the wide-ranging issues at hand and commitment to public service, I am confident that Jeff will more than meet this moment,” said Governor Newsom. “I look forward to his partnership in advancing restorative justice and our work to end the revolving door of the criminal justice system.”
Macomber served as Director of Corrections Services at California Correctional Health Care Services from 2019 until being named Undersecretary. He served as deputy director of facility support in the Division of Adult Institutions from 2016 to 2018. Macomber was Warden at California State Prison, Sacramento from 2013 until 2016. He was chief deputy warden from 2009 to 2013 and associate warden from 2008 to 2009. From 2004 to 2008 and from 1994 to 2000, he was correctional administrator, captain, staff services manager and associate governmental programs analyst. Macomber was a correctional business manager at the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center from 2000 to 2004 and a correctional officer at Ironwood State Prison from 1993 to 1994.
“I am grateful for this opportunity,” Macomber said. “I look forward to continuing the important advancements we have made to lower recidivism and create safer prisons and communities. I’m proud to serve the people of California alongside our devoted peace officers.”