December 18, 2008
Experienced Corrections Professional Will Help Ensure Public Safety, Efficiency, Professionalism
Gov.-elect Nixon Names George Lombardi Designee for Director of Department of Corrections
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Gov.-elect Jay Nixon today announced his intention to nominate Mr. George A. Lombardi, of Jefferson City, Mo., as Director of the Missouri Department of Corrections.
In 2005, Mr. Lombardi retired after a 33-year career with the Missouri Department of Corrections. During his final 18 years with the Department, he served as Director of Adult Institutions.
“The Missouri Department of Corrections plays a vital role in keeping our families and communities safe and secure, so it’s absolutely essential to have a Director who understands this complex agency and has the expertise to help move our state forward,” Gov.-elect Nixon said. “During his 33 years with the Department, George Lombardi demonstrated that he is the right person for this job. George is a nationally recognized leader on corrections issues, and he will bring a wealth of professional and academic knowledge with him to the position. As Director, George will ensure that the Missouri Department of Corrections and its facilities uphold the highest standards of professionalism, efficiency and security. I’m glad to have George on my team, and I look forward to working with him in the years to come.”
“I’m honored Gov.-elect Nixon has asked me to lead the Missouri Department of Corrections, and I’m pleased to be returning to public service,” Mr. Lombardi said. “Throughout my career in corrections, I have been committed to ensuring safety for Missouri families and helping incarcerated men and women improve their lives. Those are the principles I will continue to follow as Director. Under Gov.-elect Nixon’s leadership, the state of Missouri is poised to move in a new direction, and the Department of Corrections will play a key role in that process. It will be a great privilege to work with Gov.-elect Nixon to help keep Missouri safe and make our state a better place to live, work and raise a family.”
Mr. Lombardi, 61, served as Superintendent of the State Correctional Pre-Release Center from 1976 to 1979 and as Superintendent of Algoa Correctional Center from 1979 to 1983. In 1983, he became Assistant Director of the Division of Adult Institutions, and he was named Director of Adult Institutions in 1986. During his tenure as Director of Adult Institutions, Mr. Lombardi managed 21 adult correctional facilities, more than 8,600 staff members and approximately 30,500 inmates. He retired from the Missouri Department of Corrections in 2005. Since his retirement, Mr. Lombardi has worked as a senior consultant for the Missouri Youth Services Institute on juvenile-offender management and policy issues.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. Lombardi has published several academic papers on corrections management and training and developed a seminar on leadership in criminal justice. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Central Missouri State University in 1970 and a Master of Science degree in psychology from the same institution in 1972.
Mr. Lombardi and his wife, Nancy, have one grown son.
The Director of the Department of Corrections oversees more than 11,000 corrections professionals and more than 100,000 adult offenders in Missouri. The Governor appoints the Director with the advice and consent of the State Senate.