In the labyrinth of Oregon’s Department of Corrections, a beacon of leadership shines brightly, and at its helm is Colette Peters ’93, a trailblazer making history as the first woman to direct the state’s Department of Corrections
With a $1.8 billion organization, 4,700 employees, and the oversight of 14,700 adults under her purview, Peters is not just a leader; she’s a living testament to the transformative power of Benedictine values.
The Foundations: Benedictine Values At The Core
Peters, a proud alumna of CSB with a degree in psychology, has seamlessly woven the Benedictine values into the fabric of her career.
For her, the rule of treating individuals with dignity, reminiscent of Saint Benedict’s teachings, is not just a philosophy but a proven strategy.
Research indicates that when individuals in custody are treated humanely, akin to the principles of Saint Benedict, the likelihood of their successful reintegration into society significantly increases.
A Trail Of Achievements: Distinguished Alumna Award
Acknowledging her stellar accomplishments, Peters was honored with the Distinguished Alumna Award, a recognition reserved for individuals who have not only excelled in their chosen profession but have also become exemplary role models
Her influence extends beyond her immediate sphere, resonating as a source of inspiration for all alumnae. The award, bestowed upon her during the Reunion 2018 Awards, solidifies her standing as a leader par excellence.
Colette Peters, The First Woman DOC Director
Peters’ academic journey includes a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from CSB and a master’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Colorado in 1997.
This foundation laid the groundwork for a career dedicated to understanding the complexities of the human psyche within the criminal justice system.
Managing A Complex System
At the heart of Peters’ responsibilities is the management of a sprawling corrections agency, overseeing around 14,900 incarcerated adults across 14 prisons in Oregon.
With a team of 4,700 employees and a biennial budget of $1.8 billion, Peters shoulders the ultimate responsibility of ensuring the smooth functioning of a complex system.
Varied Roles: From Juvenile Counselor To Department Head
Peters’ journey encompasses diverse roles, reflecting her commitment to understanding and addressing the multifaceted challenges within the criminal justice landscape.
She started as a juvenile counselor in Iowa, moved on to work at a halfway house in Minneapolis, and served as a victim’s advocate with the Denver Police Department
Each role added a layer to her expertise, culminating in a holistic understanding of the intricacies of the criminal justice system.
An Impressive Array Of Memberships
Peters’ commitment to public service is further evident through her involvement in various committees and boards.
From the Governor’s Re-Entry Council to the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training Board, her memberships underscore a dedication to fostering positive change within the criminal justice system.
Colette Peters: Her Professional And Personal Journey
In a groundbreaking move, Governor John Kitzhaber announced on Feb. 1, 2012, that Colette S. Peters would be the first woman to lead the Oregon Corrections Department.
Peters, with a diverse background ranging from juvenile counseling to being a legislative analyst and a prison inspector general, is stepping into a role that demands experience and expertise.
From South Dakota To Salem
Born in South Dakota, Peters brings a wealth of experience to her new position.
Her journey began as a juvenile counselor in Iowa, and she later served as a crime victim’s advocate in the Denver Police Department.
With a psychology degree from the College of Saint Benedict and a master’s in criminal justice from the University of Colorado, Peters has demonstrated a commitment to understanding and addressing the complexities of public safety.
A Storied Journey To Leadership
Peters’ journey to the helm of the DOC is a testament to her dedication to public safety.
Prior to her role as Director, she served as the Director of the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA), accumulating years of experience in adult and juvenile corrections, victims’ rights, and legislative and law enforcement policy and practices.
Champion Of Research-Driven Decision-Making
- With over two decades in public safety, Peters has earned a national reputation as a champion of utilizing research and data to inform decision-making. Her focus on evidence-based practices extends to improving outcomes for both youth and adults in custody, enhancing agency efficiency, and promoting staff wellness.
- Peters’ philosophy revolves around the principles of safe and secure prisons, accountability, rehabilitation, and successful re-entry into Oregon communities. Under her leadership, individuals in custody receive targeted interventions based on risk and need, aiming to facilitate their transition into tax-paying citizens and productive members of society.
Public Service In Oregon
Peters joined the Oregon Corrections Department in 2004 and swiftly climbed the ranks, becoming the public affairs administrator and later the assistant director.
Her unique role as inspector general showcased her ability to navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system.
Although she briefly left in 2008 due to her husband’s job relocation, she was recruited back by then-Gov. Ted Kulongoski to lead the Oregon Youth Authority in 2009.
Transformative Leadership At The Youth Authority
- Peters faced significant challenges at the Oregon Youth Authority, steering it through budget fluctuations and advocating for the well-being of juvenile offenders.
- Her strategic approach, backed by research-driven decisions, resulted in successful negotiations with legislators to prevent deeper cuts.
- Kitzhaber was impressed by Peters’ political nimbleness and her ability to build robust relationships within the Youth Authority. This talent is now being harnessed to address concerns about the Corrections Department’s efficiency and fiscal responsibility.
- The Oregon Corrections Department, a billion-dollar agency with 4,000 employees and a two-year budget of $1.3 billion, faces scrutiny for its perceived distance from other public safety professionals and questions about its financial efficiency.
Tackling Recidivism And Fiscal Responsibility
- Peters is expected to continue the work initiated by Max Williams, the former director, focusing on proven programs like alcohol and addiction treatment to reform inmates. With the projected growth of the prison population, Peters aims to cut recidivism, aligning with recent recommendations from a state commission.
- Governor Kitzhaber envisions a powerful partnership between Peters and Mitch Morrow, the deputy director and interim director since Williams’ departure. Together, they aim to reshape Oregon’s prison system and prioritize rehabilitation over incarceration.
Groundbreaking Achievements
During her tenure, Peters has spearheaded numerous initiatives to make Oregon’s corrections system more efficient and innovative.
Notable accomplishments include advocating for public safety reform and justice reinvestment, fostering inmate/family engagement, implementing a performance-based management system for transparency, and bringing attention to the critical issue of staff wellness.
National Recognition And Advocacy
Peters’ influence extends beyond state borders. In 2013, she was appointed by Eric Holder to the National Institute of Corrections Advisory Board, where she now chairs the Subcommittee on Wellness.
Additionally, she chairs the American Correctional Association’s Supporting Healthy Culture Committee and serves as Vice President of the Association of State Correctional Administrators.
A Familiar Face In Unfamiliar Territory
Peters is no stranger to the challenges that lie ahead. Having served as the agency’s public affairs administrator and assistant director, she possesses a deep understanding of the Corrections Department’s operations.
In selecting Colette S. Peters, Governor Kitzhaber is signaling a commitment to transformative leadership within the Oregon Corrections Department.
Peters’ proven track record, political acumen, and dedication to evidence-based practices position her as a beacon of change in the realm of public safety.
Read more: Diana Nyad: Early Life, Career, Age, Nationality, Ethnicity, Net Worth, Family, Siblings And More
Colette Peters: Privacy Invasion, Illegal Plan, Change In Leadership And Unique Approach
In the ever-evolving landscape of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), Director Colette Peters faces a monumental challenge to reshape an agency plagued by staffing shortages, morale issues, and the uphill battle of implementing the First Step Act.
Taking the reins in August 2022 amidst a tumultuous environment, Peters has embarked on a journey to transform the BOP’s culture, promising change but acknowledging the time it will take to right the ship.
Different Approach: Director Peters’ Unique Background
Unlike her predecessors, Director Peters arrived at the BOP from outside its confines, a move not seen since retired Army major general Mark Inch in 2017.
Inch’s brief tenure highlighted the difficulty of changing the deeply ingrained culture of the BOP.
Peters, with a background in overseeing the Oregon Department of Corrections, brings a fresh perspective and a track record of initiating change.
Email Privacy Invasion
Frener alleges that Colette Peters, former director of the Oregon Department of Corrections, attempted to uncover the source of a leaked memo from then-Gov. Kate Brown.
Peters supposedly had the IT department check employee emails, leading Frener to protest, emphasizing the memo’s public record status.
Change In Leadership Direction
Four days before Peters assumed her federal post, she sent Frener a termination letter, claiming a shift in leadership direction.
This raises questions about the timing and motives behind Frener’s dismissal.
Illegal Retaliation Plan
Frener asserts that she was pressured to devise an illegal plan to retaliate against a laid-off employee, Gina Raney-Eatherly.
Frener, however, resisted and ultimately hired Raney-Eatherly, who later won a $2.4 million settlement in a wrongful termination lawsuit.