Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed Richard Comerford as secretary of the Florida Department of Corrections, elevating a 40-year veteran of the agency who started his career locally at Okaloosa Correctional Institution.

• Comerford most recently served as the department’s deputy secretary, where he provided executive oversight for the nation’s third-largest correctional system.

“Richard Comerford has dedicated more than four decades of service to the Florida Department of Corrections and has been instrumental in advancing the Department’s mission,” DeSantis said in a statement. “His experience, leadership, and commitment to public safety make him well qualified to serve as Secretary, and I am confident he will continue to build on the Department’s success.”

Comerford began his corrections career in 1986 as a correctional officer at Okaloosa Correctional Institution. Over the course of his career, he advanced through supervisory, investigative and command roles, including assistant deputy secretary of institutions and multiple warden and assistant warden assignments across the state.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminology from the University of Florida and is a member of the American Correctional Association, the Florida Sheriffs Association and the North American Association of Wardens & Superintendents. His leadership has earned national recognition for expertise in organizational supervision, intelligence, correctional operations and emergency response, according to the governor’s office.

“I am truly humbled to have the trust and support of Governor Ron DeSantis to be the next Secretary of the Florida Department of Corrections,” Comerford said. “Serving the men and women of FDC has been the honor of a lifetime, and I know the experience I gained working alongside former Secretary Ricky Dixon will serve Florida well as we take up the mantle and build upon the successes he delivered.”

Former FDC Secretary Ricky Dixon praised the appointment.

“The Florida Department of Corrections is in great hands with Richard Comerford serving as Secretary,” Dixon said. “As Deputy Secretary, his fingerprints are on every major success our agency experienced during my tenure. His vision and expertise helped shape Florida into a national leader in corrections, and I am confident he will continue building on that success while supporting the men and women who serve on the front lines.”