The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) has ushered in new leadership, with the appointment of Ashley Oddo and John Barcello as the latest Deputy Directors. The announcement came from no other than ADCRR's Director, Ryan Thornell, who is gearing up the department to adopt innovative correctional practices focusing on public safety, rehabilitation, and the well-being of its employees.
Information sourced from the ADCRR official announcement reveals that Deputy Director Ashley Oddo is transitioning from her role as the Department’s General Counsel. There, she developed "strong problem-solving skills" and tackled significant challenges like the Jensen Injunction and policy overhauls.
On the other end, newly minted Deputy Director John Barcello is stepping up from his previous position as ADCRR's Inspector General. During his tenure, Barcello played a key role in addressing the escalation of contraband problems, facilitating necessary criminal prosecutions, and advancing system-wide accountability.
Both Deputy Directors Oddo and Barcello are slated to engage in a rigorous few weeks ahead, which will include meetings with staff, prison visits, and strategizing with community reentry offices, as per the ADCRR. The idea is to continue the groundwork for the significant transformations planned for ADCRR as the department gears up for the year 2025. They are welcomed by Director Thornell and the ADCRR team, who are optimistic about their contributions to the future of correctional services in Arizona.
