Kathleen Hawk Sawyer

Education

Sawyer is a graduate of Wheeling Jesuit College, where she obtained a bachelor's degree in psychology. She obtained both a master's degree and an Ed.D. in Counseling and Rehabilitation from West Virginia University.

Career

Early career

In 1976, Sawyer was employed as a psychologist at the Federal Correctional Institution, Morgantown in Morgantown, West Virginia. This employment started her career with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. She was named Chief of Psychology Services at the institution in 1983. While in that position, she "was responsible for developing and implementing a system of internal controls for all Bureau operations."

Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons

On December 4, 1992, Sawyer was appointed the director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons by William Barr, the Attorney General at the time. While director, she focused her efforts on reducing recidivism by giving more opportunities for education and employment to prisoners. She also sought to offer secondary education at every federal institution, and substance abuse programs. Sawyer retired from the position in 2003.

On August 19, 2019, Barr re-appointed her as director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons as part of a shake-up following the death of Jeffrey Epstein.

Honors

In 1992, she received the Attorney General's Award for Excellence in Management. In 1994, she received the Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Service. In 1997, President Bill Clinton awarded her with the Presidential Distinguished Executive Award, which is the highest governmental award that is offered to professionals in her line of work. Also in 1997, she received the Surgeon General's Medallion from the Office of the Surgeon General. Sawyer was awarded with the Association of State Correctional Administrators' Michael Francke Award in 1998. In 2000, she again received the Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Service. In 2001, Sawyer was awarded the Edmund Randolph Award for outstanding service in the Department of Justice. She was also awarded the Eastern Kentucky University College of Justice and Safety Distinguished Professional Award in 2003.

References

References

1. (August 19, 2019). "Attorney General William P. Barr Appoints New Leadership Team At The Bureau Of Prisons".
2. "BOP: New Director Appointed".
3. (April 17, 2013). "BOP: Past Directors".
4. "No criminal charges in handling of detainees at NYC center".
5. (2005). "Encyclopedia of Prisons & Correctional Facilities". Sage Publications Inc..
6. Balsamo, Michael. (August 19, 2019). "Bureau of Prisons chief Hugh Hurwitz removed after Jeffrey Epstein's death". [[Chicago Sun-Times]].
7. "1992 - 2003 Kathleen Hawk Sawyer Sixth Director".