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Woman to lead Central Prison for the first time

Denise Jackson has been named the first female warden in the history of Central Prison.

Posted Updated

By
Mandy Mitchell
, WRAL reporter
RALEIGH, N.C. — For the first time, a woman will be in charge at Central Prison in Raleigh.

Denise Jackson will take over as warden on March 16.

"This is not about being named the first woman warden at Central Prison," Jackson said. "I am hardworking and dedicated. This is just about me going in and doing a good job."

Todd Ishee, the state's commissioner of prisons, said public safety is a key part of the job.  

"I'm hoping with her experience, we can make Central Prison a safer place," he said, "It's right here in the hub of Raleigh, and so public safety is critical to us."

Jackson arrives in Raleigh from western North Carolina, where she served as the warden for a women's prison.

Ishee said watching Jackson run the women's prison for a day convinced him she was the right person for the job.

One of Jackson's biggest challenges will be finding and keeping reliable staff that can handle the stressful environment.

"When I meet with my staff, we talk about doing good business and working hard," Jackson said. "The top priority is always safety and security, but we want to provide programs that make the offenders better."

Jackson doesn't see herself as a trailblazer but instead says she's just like every other warden and wants to be seen that way. There are 13 female wardens working in North Carolina prisons.

"The challenge of going to a facility like Central Prison is just a phenomenal opportunity," she said. "I know I've got great wardens that I will be following in their foot steps."

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