TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis named Richard Comerford, a career corrections officer who started as a guard at Okaloosa Correctional Institution in 1986, as the new Secretary of the Florida Department of Corrections, giving the nation’s third-largest prison system a leader with more than 40 years of service inside the agency he will now run.
“Richard Comerford has dedicated more than four decades of service to the Florida Department of Corrections and has been instrumental in advancing the Department’s mission,” said DeSantis. “His experience, leadership, and commitment to public safety make him well qualified to serve as Secretary, and I am confident he will continue to build on the Department’s success.”
Comerford most recently served as FDC’s Deputy Secretary, providing executive oversight of the sprawling system. He advanced through supervisory, investigative and command roles including multiple warden and assistant warden assignments and Assistant Deputy Secretary of Institutions. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminology from the University of Florida and is an active member of the American Correctional Association, the Florida Sheriffs Association and the North American Association of Wardens & Superintendents.
“I am truly humbled to have the trust and support of Governor Ron DeSantis to be the next Secretary of the Florida Department of Corrections,” Comerford said. “Serving the men and women of FDC has been the honor of a lifetime, and I know the experience I gained working alongside former Secretary Ricky Dixon will serve Florida well as we take up the mantle and build upon the successes he delivered. I look forward to working together with our dedicated correctional professionals to uphold public safety and strengthen resources for our staff.”
Former FDC Secretary Ricky Dixon endorsed the pick. “The Florida Department of Corrections is in great hands with Richard Comerford serving as Secretary. His experience, integrity, and commitment to our profession have earned the trust and respect of staff across our state and the recognition of correctional leaders nationwide,” Dixon said. “As Deputy Secretary, his fingerprints are on every major success our agency experienced during my tenure. His vision and expertise helped shape Florida into a national leader in corrections, and I am confident he will continue building on that success while supporting the men and women who serve on the front lines.”
DeSantis also announced college board appointments the same day. John Webb, owner and broker of Webb’s Realty and a Polk County resident for over 55 years, was appointed to the Polk State College District Board of Trustees. Webb, a University of South Florida graduate, also runs Webb’s Car Wash and Webb’s Candy Shop.
Three members were reappointed to the Valencia College District Board of Trustees: Blair Bradley, a former analyst for North American Reserve Corporation; Sean Milligan, president of Gatlin Mill and a former senior director of supply chain operations for GXO Logistics, Inc.; and Tracey Stockwell, chief financial officer for Universal Orlando and a member of the Orlando Economic Partnership Executive Committee.
All four college board appointments and the Comerford appointment are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.