(BOP) - You’ve heard my pledge—to lead with integrity, listen to you, be honest with you, and fight for what you need to do your job safely. As your Director, I am committed to delivering on the promises that matter most: tackling staffing shortages, reducing overtime, strengthening wellness, and securing the resources needed to fulfill our mission.
Fulfilling these promises requires strong, experienced leadership at every level. That’s why today, I’m proud to announce the appointment of two exceptional leaders to help drive that mission forward—Josh Smith as Deputy Director and Rick Stover to serve in furthering the implementation of the First Step Act. These appointments reflect a critical investment in strengthening our leadership infrastructure to better support staff, improve operations, and fully implement the First Step Act—the cornerstone of our path to safer facilities and stronger outcomes.
Josh brings to this role something our agency has never had before at this level: a perspective shaped by lived experience, proven innovation, and national impact. Josh has spent more than two decades working with corrections leaders across the country and internationally to transform prison culture, support staff development, and reduce recidivism. He founded the Fourth Purpose Foundation to help agencies implement staff wellness programs, enhance leadership, and expand rehabilitative programming. His firsthand understanding of our facilities—of the tension, the risk, and the importance of trust—makes him uniquely positioned to advocate for the resources and reforms frontline staff need to do their jobs safely and effectively.
As Deputy Director, Josh will help ensure that the implementation of the First Step Act is not just compliant, but transformative. He is committed to making our agency stronger by investing in our people and promoting a culture where every staff member feels supported and respected.
Rick brings over 28 years of operational experience within the Bureau. Rising from Case Manager to Warden and ultimately Senior Deputy Assistant Director, Rick has led at every level of our organization. His work developing the First Step Act Time Credits policy and his leadership at institutions like FCI Danbury demonstrate his deep expertise in executing complex reforms with clarity and precision. Rick understands the pressures our staff face every day—because he’s lived them; he’s worked the shifts, faced the challenges, and knows our operations —and he has built a reputation grounded in integrity, operational excellence, and unwavering commitment to the mission.
Fully implementing the First Step Act is critical to President Donald J. Trump’s agenda to reform the criminal justice system. It is the most significant operational mandate for the Bureau, and Rick’s experience will be invaluable to delivering on this important policy.
Together, Josh and Rick will enhance the leadership team and integrate visionary insight with deep institutional knowledge. Josh brings a fresh perspective and national reform expertise. Rick brings the operational rigor and policy depth to turn that vision into reality. Both are deeply committed to our staff and to building a Bureau that reflects the highest standards of professionalism, safety, and service.
With Josh and Rick on board, we will deliver needed change, champion staff wellness, and elevate the Bureau’s mission. We will continue fighting for the tools, resources, and recognition you deserve. And, we will build an agency worthy of your service—one that honors your sacrifice, supports your success, and reflects the best of who we are.
I’m honored to serve as your Director—and, together, we will deliver real, lasting change.