Governor Quinn Appoints Acting Director to Lead Illinois Department of Corrections

CHICAGO – September 3, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today named Gladyse Taylor as acting director of the Illinois Department of Corrections. Most recently, Taylor was named acting assistant director of the Department of Corrections and has worked to improve efficiency within the department while preserving public safety and working to reduce recidivism rates. She replaces Michael Randle who announced his resignation this week.

“Gladyse Taylor brings a wealth of management experience to lead the Department of Corrections,” said Governor Quinn. “Gladyse is a true public servant with a track record of improving public safety and developing programs to reduce recidivism. I am confident that Gladyse will further my mandate that the public’s safety must always come first.”

Taylor is a Chicago native who has been with the State of Illinois for approximately five years, in various roles within the Department of Corrections and the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget.

Before becoming the Department of Correction’s Acting Assistant Director this May, she was the deputy director of the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget. Previously, Taylor held various other positions at the Department of Corrections.

“I look forward to leading the Illinois Department of Corrections,” said Acting Director Taylor. “In this new role, I will continue to work with the Governor’s Office to ensure public safety, while also implementing programs to reduce recidivism rates within our population.”

In addition to her commitment to public safety and crime reduction, Taylor brings a strong background in management and finance. Before joining the state, she worked as a finance executive in the private sector. She holds a business degree from DePaul University.

The Illinois Department of Corrections was established in 1970. Today, the agency operates 27 adult correctional centers as well as various work camps, boot camps and eight adult transition centers. IDOC’s budget is $1.135 billion for fiscal year 2011. The agency employs approximately 11,000 employees and is responsible for the management of 70,000 adult inmates and parolees.