Stacy Lopez bids farewell after 30 years

June 19, 2025

After three decades with CDCR, Division of Administrative Services Director Stacy Lopez is retiring. She’s held the director position since 2021.

“I started at CDCR in July 1995 as a staff service analyst working for the Parole and Community Services Division, which is now the Division of Adult Parole Operations,” she recalled. “Did I know I wanted to become a director? No, I did not see that in my future. I just wanted to start a challenging job. Something that would be exciting. Corrections offered so many different varieties of jobs. When I saw those opportunities, I felt maybe I can be a supervisor one day. Maybe I can be a manager. Maybe I can be a manager III. “

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Revamping, restarting training

In 2013, she led the effort to restart the Basic Correctional Officer Academy.

“One of the things I’m most proud of (is) the training, (the) Peace Officer Selection and Employee Development area. I was brought in in 2013 to reopen the academy, which had been closed. Also, starting up departmental training. We had about 7,000 correctional officers we needed to hire in three years. I had a great team. They did it all,” Lopez said.

She said while there were challenges, it was very rewarding.

“I think that’s why I spent so much time in that area. We have now the correctional officer job shadowing program, which we didn’t have before. And also, the sergeant mentoring program,” she explained.

When she came into Administrative Services, her goal was to use technology, listen, and make improvements.

“Moving into the director role, there was a lot happening within the administrative services area. Human Resources (faced challenges) at the time. My main goal was (to) make it better than it is today. Now as I’m leaving, I feel Human Resources is in a great position,” Lopez said. “I think the team we built there definitely is something I’m proud of.”

Looking back at her career, she said she’s also proud of the efforts surrounding employee health.

Stacy Lopez career advice, reflections

Lopez has some advice for others working in corrections.

“What I would say to my 25-year-old self, or anyone starting a career with CDCR, is network yourself, talk to people, join work groups, (and) get a mentor,” she said. “All of those things will help you, in your career here.”

Lopez also said it’s been an honor to work for CDCR.

“I appreciate everyone I’ve been able to work with over the years. What makes it the best are the people in CDCR and CCHCS.”

Plans for her future include traveling as well as spending time with friends and family.

What else is she also looking forward to? “To not think about work anymore,” she said.

Video by Clarissa Resultan, TV specialist
Story by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
Office of Public and Employee Communications

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