Nominees

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

SEAT 1

JOSEPH W. WALTERS (VA) CANDIDATE PROFILE

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

CORRECTIONAL ADMINISTRATION

PROFESSIONAL BIOGRAPHY

Joseph W. Walters is a 33-year public safety veteran who was appointed the 11th Director of the Virginia Department of Corrections in January 2026. Previously, he served as Senior Deputy Director, overseeing the agency’s administrative, law enforcement, and support services. Walters began his career in local law enforcement in 1992 before joining the Virginia State Police in 1993, where he rose to the rank of Captain and Human Resource Director. He joined the Virginia Department of Corrections in 2015 as Human Resource Director and advanced through several leadership roles, including Deputy Director for Administration, chief law enforcement officer, and Senior Deputy Director. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Averett University and a Master of Public Administration from Virginia Tech and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Administration at Liberty University. Walters is an active member of the American Correctional Association and serves on numerous public safety and criminal justice boards and advisory committees.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

LEADERSHIP & EXPERTISE

Director, Virginia Department of Corrections 33 Years in Public Safety & Corrections Leadership Human Resources, Finance & Administrative Operations Compliance, Accreditation & Organizational Management Law Enforcement Leadership & Criminal Intelligence Operations Strategic Planning & Executive Leadership Development

Society for Human Resource Management Virginia Chiefs of Police Association Virginia Public Safety Foundation Board of Directors Virginia Supreme Court Recovery Court Advisory Committee

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