Nominees

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

SEAT 3

RICHARD COMERFORD (FL)

CANDIDATE PROFILE

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

CORRECTIONAL ADMINISTRATION

PROFESSIONAL BIOGRAPHY

Richard D. Comerford serves as the Deputy Secretary of the Florida Department of Corrections, bringing more than 40 years of distinguished service to the nation’s third-largest state correctional system. His career includes 25 years in senior and executive leadership, with extensive experience in statewide operations, emergency management, investigations, and organizational oversight. He previously served as Assistant Deputy Secretary of Institutions, directing operations for 96,000 incarcerated individuals and 19,000 staff across 143 facilities. His leadership portfolio has included intelligence, admissions and release, classification management, emergency response, and major policy and audit initiatives. Earlier in his career, Comerford advanced through a broad range of supervisory, investigative, and command roles, including multiple warden and assistant warden assignments across the state. A graduate of the University of Florida, he has completed extensive executive training through FDLE, NIC, FEMA, and ACA. His accomplishments include presenting before the U.S. DOJ Review Panel on Prison Rape, developing Florida’s Rapid Response Team program, and establishing FDC’s centralized use of force review unit. His service has been recognized with multiple distinguished service awards at the state and regional levels. He is an active member of the American Correctional Association, Florida Sheriffs Association, and North American Association of Wardens & Superintendents, among other professional organizations.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

LEADERSHIP & EXPERTISE

40+ Years in Correctional Leadership Deputy Secretary, Florida Department of Corrections Statewide Operations & Emergency Management Intelligence, Security & Organizational Oversight Policy Development, Audits & Compliance Initiatives Executive Leadership Across 143 Correctional Facilities

Florida Sheriffs Association North American Association of Wardens & Superintendents

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