The NC Department of Adult Correction (NCDAC) has announced a new leader for Judicial District 29's community supervision efforts. Effective March 24, Kathryn Rhodes has stepped up to the role of Judicial District Manager (JDM), bringing with her a long legacy of service within the department. Rhodes, overseeing operations in counties including Polk, Transylvania, McDowell, Henderson, and Rutherford, is now at the helm of a team tasked with the oversight of more than 2,300 individuals under probation, parole, or post-release supervision.
With 24 years under her belt at NCDAC, Rhodes' career trajectory has been marked by a series of promotions, holding positions ranging from a Case Manager at Gaston Correctional Center to probation/parole officer and later to leadership roles within the division. In a statement obtained by NCDAC's press release, Leslie Cooley Dismukes, secretary for the Department of Adult Correction praised Rhodes, stating "She is well prepared for this new position and is a great asset to our department." Echoing the sentiment, Rhodes, well-prepared for the role, has left her mark on the department in previous capacities including mentorship and specialized instructor roles.
Rhodes' expertise is not merely administrative; she is a general instructor with a specialty in Controls, Restraints, and Defensive Techniques, recognized also as the Division IV Women’s Coordinator. Further validating her readiness for this new challenge, Rhodes is an alum of NCDAC’s Master Frontline Leadership Training. Her educational background includes a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Western Carolina University, well-aligning with her professional path in corrections and community supervision.
Tracy K. Lee, the deputy secretary for Community Supervision, also commended Rhodes' appointment. "I am very pleased to promote Kathryn Rhodes," Lee said, as reported in the NCDAC press release. Her commitment through the ranks is a testament to her dedication and capability, Lee implied, emphasizing the trust she has garnered as a leader within the department.
