The office of Governor Maura Healey declared the retirement of Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) Commissioner Carol Mici, concluding more than three decades of public service. Mici, who has helmed DOC in various capacities and served as commissioner for over five years, will step down effective March 29, according to an announcement made on Thursday by the Healey-Driscoll Administration.
"Commissioner Mici has served Massachusetts for nearly 40 years, and I am deeply grateful for her significant contributions to criminal justice reform, operational enhancements, rehabilitation, and recidivism reduction," Governor Healey said in a statement reported by an official press release. Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll also commended Mici's "unwavering commitment to public service" and noted her "dedication" and "compassion" throughout her demanding career.
The current Chief of Staff for the DOC, Shawn Jenkins will act as the Interim Commissioner as the administration works to finalize the search process for Mici’s successor. Jenkins, who was appointed Chief of Staff in 2022, steps into the role backed by experience in both the Middlesex and Worcester County Sheriff's Offices and various positions within the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.
During her tenure, Mici spearheaded reforms across the board. The DOC saw the closing of its minimum-security unit at South Middlesex Correctional Center, expanded educational programming for prisoners, and eliminated restrictive housing practices. The DOC also rolled out free phone calls for incarcerated individuals and launched initiatives such as the Struggle Well program for staff well-being and the Credible Messengers Program for reentry support. With Mici’s departure, these programs look to continue the legacy of an administrator focused on rehabilitation over punishment.
Mici's career has carried her from a Correction Program Officer position in 1987 to the role of commissioner, confirmed in January 2019. Under her leadership, the DOC not only managed a population of roughly 6,000 incarcerated individuals but also maintained an annual budget of $807 million and oversaw a workforce of over 4,200 staff members.
