Atypical job series: The surprising journey from psychologist to warden

The public is becoming increasingly aware of the important part psychologists play in the well-being of people who are incarcerated and the staff who are responsible for their care and supervision. Less visible and less well understood are the contributions of correctional psychologists to leadership and crisis management in correctional systems. This article describes the unconventional path of a Bureau of Prisons psychologist from postdoctoral fellow to pandemic-era warden over a 20-year career. A successful transition from clinician to correctional leader is attributable to the fundamentals of the practice of psychology, including deep insights into human behavior and motivation. These skills prepare psychologists for success in high-profile, high-impact leadership positions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).