Corrections Chief Resigns; New Boss Named

Rob Carter notified Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb that he is stepping down from his role as the commissioner of the Indiana Department of Correction after nearly six years. Christina Reagle, an IDOC deputy commissioner of administration and finance, will take his place, effective Oct. 17.

“Since the start of my administration, Commissioner Carter has brought a wealth of management, public safety and security experience to the Indiana Department of Correction, helping the agency navigate the challenges we have faced, especially in recent years,” Holcomb said. “Day in and day out, Rob has remained focused on building a network of leaders statewide for IDOC facilities and implementing the best training programs for incarcerated individuals, which will have a ripple effect across the state in the years to come. I thank him for his service.”

Carter was appointed IDOC commissioner in 2017.

Under Carter’s leadership, IDOC has:

• Increased partnerships with businesses and organizations, such as The Last Mile and Ivy Tech Community College, to improve educational, job skills development, and training opportunities for incarcerated individuals
• Developed a new Transitional Healthcare Team to focus on continuity of medical care, mental healthcare, and addiction recovery services for citizens returning from prison
• Worked with legislators to implement a new credit time system that incentivizes incarcerated individuals to focus on specific risk-reduction treatment and programs they need and will help ensure those with the most risk receive the most intensive rehabilitation resources
• Found efficiencies and closed multiple facilities in order to focus on funding needed programs and improving compensation for staff working in high-risk environments
• Enhanced prison security and safety by expanding use of new detection technologies.

“It has been an honor to implement many of Gov. Holcomb’s initiatives, including focusing on increasing vocational training for incarcerated individuals and reducing recidivism to an all-time low,” Carter said. “I leave behind an agency and leaders poised to continue focusing on providing a safe environment that fosters training and preparation for life after incarceration.”

His last day is Oct. 14. He is departing for a role with Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP Public Affairs Strategies Group.

Reagle has been with IDOC since 2011 and was named a deputy commissioner in 2019. She oversees the finance, construction services, data analytics and technology divisions. She joined state government as an accountant for the Department of Child Services in 2011 and served as controller and chief financial officer for IDOC before becoming deputy commissioner.

“Christina has demonstrated that she understands the constant collaboration needed for success and has a deep understanding of the staff development, investment in technology and program development and planning that is needed for the success at IDOC,” Gov. Holcomb said. “I look forward to her leadership.”

Reagle is a mentor for IDOC’s Leadership Academy and its Women in Leadership training program.

“I am committed to the responsible management of IDOC that results in a safe environment where employees are valued and incarcerated individuals are given the best opportunity to return to their communities as productive citizens,” Reagle said. “I look forward to leading a committed team.”

She earned her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis and her master of business administration degree from Indiana State University.