Deborah Cockrell

Senior Correctional Operations Leader

Talent

GatesvilleMember since July 17, 2026

Looking for a jobCorrectional operations leadershipACA/PREA complianceStaff training and developmentSafety and security managementProgram implementationExecutive communicationProcess improvementMulti-custody facility management

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Looking for a jobCorrectional operations leadershipACA/PREA complianceStaff training and developmentSafety and security management

About

Senior correctional operations leader with more than 32 years of progressive Texas Department of Criminal Justice experience, including Senior Warden and Assistant Warden roles across complex custody environments. Proven success leading multidisciplinary teams, strengthening ACA and PREA compliance, improving safety and operational procedures, and developing staff through clear communication, accountability, and structured training.

Experience

Senior Warden - Texas Department of Criminal Justice - William R. Boyd Unit

(2019-06 - 2020-09)

Managed all custody levels and oversaw facility operations, safety, staffing, and compliance priorities.
Supported programs including Patriot Paws, Kennel Response Team, agriculture/gardens, Field Ministers, vocational/education services, and off-unit work crews.
Aligned operational teams around accountability, communication, and consistent facility performance.

Senior Warden - Texas Department of Criminal Justice - San Saba Transfer Facility

(2018-06 - 2019-06)

Managed minimum-security operations, education, vocational programming, and daily facility performance.
Maintained staff accountability and operational consistency during facility leadership responsibilities.

Assistant Warden - Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Mark W. Michael Unit

(2016-02 - 2018-06)

Opened the Administrative Segregation Mental Health Therapeutic Program and supported employee training, mental health readiness, and program growth.
Supported PREA compliance and achieved a 99.1% ACA score with five areas of excellence.
Managed G1–G5 custody levels, administrative segregation, infirmary, trustee offenders, Field Ministers, vocational trades, agriculture, and facility industries.

Assistant Warden - Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Hutchins State Jail

(2015-01 - 2016-02)

Managed high-volume intake and release operations, volunteer and visitor activity, off-unit work crews, and staff development.
Met PREA compliance and achieved a 99.1% ACA score while improving communication across a diverse workforce.

Major of Correctional Officers - Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Mountain View Unit

Managed security operations for death row, administrative segregation, close custody, and medium custody environments.
Led more than 200 security and non-uniformed employees, supporting training, communication, and cohesive working relationships.

Progressive Correctional Leadership - Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Multiple Units

Earlier TDCJ and related assignments included Coffield Unit medical emergency response technician, Beto Unit MTCE Trainer, Hughes Unit Lab Tech IV, Coryell County Sheriff's Department Dispatcher, McConnell Unit Lab Tech IV, Hilltop Unit, Allred Unit, Travis State Jail, Ellen Halbert Substance Abuse Facility, and progressive promotions to Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Assistant Warden, and Senior Warden.