Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Richard Comerford as the new Secretary of the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC).
Comerford, a long-time corrections professional, steps into the role after serving as the agency’s Deputy Secretary. In that position, he was responsible for the executive oversight of Florida’s prison system, which stands as the third-largest correctional system in the United States.
“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,” Governor Ron 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’s career with the FDC began four decades ago in 1986, when he first joined the agency as a correctional officer at Okaloosa Correctional Institution. Over the next 40 years, he climbed through the ranks, taking on various investigative, supervisory, and leadership positions.
His past assignments include serving as the Assistant Deputy Secretary of Institutions, as well as working as a warden and assistant warden at multiple facilities throughout the state.
He takes over the leadership mantle from former FDC Secretary Ricky Dixon, who voiced strong support for his successor.
“The Florida Department of Corrections is in great hands with Richard Comerford serving as Secretary. His experience, integrity, and commitment to our profession have earned the trust and respect of staff across our state and the recognition of correctional leaders nationwide,” 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.”
In addition to his in-state operations experience, Comerford has worked in organizational supervision, intelligence, and emergency response. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from the University of Florida and maintains active memberships in the American Correctional Association, the Florida Sheriffs Association, and the North American Association of Wardens & Superintendents.
Comerford expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the agency where he spent his entire career.
“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. I look forward to working together with our dedicated correctional professionals to uphold public safety and strengthen resources for our staff.”
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