Dr. Beth Skinner

Dr. Beth Skinner has served as the Director of the Iowa Department of Corrections since 2019, bringing over two decades of experience in criminal justice, public policy, and behavioral health. With a Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Iowa, Dr. Skinner has focused her career on implementing evidence-based practices, reducing recidivism, and improving reentry outcomes for justice-involved individuals.

Before becoming Director, Dr. Skinner returned to Iowa in 2015 as the Recidivism Reduction Coordinator for the Iowa DOC. In this role, she focused on key components such as workload management, job competencies, reentry programs, continuous quality improvement (CQI), and staff training. She also served as the Executive Director of the Offender Reentry Task Force, where she led statewide efforts to improve reentry outcomes.

From 2012 to 2015, Dr. Skinner worked with the Council of State Governments Justice Center, staying at the forefront of national trends in reentry. She collaborated with the White House, Department of Justice, corrections administrators, policymakers, practitioners, and researchers across the country to develop strategies for reducing recidivism.

Dr. Skinner began her career in 2002 as an intern with the 6th District in Coralville, Iowa. She quickly advanced, becoming a residential officer, a Certified Iowa Peace Officer with the High Risk Unit, and later, a Supervisor. In these roles, she managed workforce development programs, mental health reentry, and the creation of educational programs aimed at improving reentry success for offenders.

As Director, Dr. Skinner continues to champion innovative policies and practices that support rehabilitation and public safety, while actively engaging in national discussions on criminal justice reform. Her commitment to enhancing reentry efforts and building safer communities remains central to her leadership of the Iowa Department of Corrections.