NDCS Director Scott Frakes resigning

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Nebraska Department of Corrections Director Scott Frakes has announced his resignation, according to a press release from Gov. Pete Ricketts' office Thursday.

“Scott has been a highly effective leader of our State Department of Corrections,” Gov. Ricketts said. “He has moved forward major capital construction projects, dramatically grown our corrections workforce, and guided the agency through the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.  His automation of the sentence calculation process is one of many data-driven improvements he has made to the department.  I appreciate Scott’s dedication to keeping Nebraskans safe, and I wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Frakes has severed in the role since 2015, and his resignation will become official on Oct. 7.

“It has been an honor to be a part of Governor Ricketts’ cabinet, and to serve the citizens of Nebraska,” Frakes said. “Leading and working beside the 2,200 team members that make up NDCS has been an incredible experience—truly the high point of a 40-year corrections career.  I am proud of the many accomplishments the agency has achieved during my tenure.  Seeing those things come to fruition, to the benefit of staff members and our inmate population, has been enormously satisfying.”

Frakes has been an outspoken supporter of building a new prison in Nebraska, a project that is still up for debate in the Nebraska Legislature.

Additionally, Chris Cantrell has announced his resignation as the State’s Fire Marshal, having served in that capacity since September 2018.