Governor Ivey names Greg Lovelace as new Alabama Department of Corrections commissioner

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – After more than four years at the helm of the Alabama Department of Corrections, Commissioner John Hamm is officially retiring, Governor Kay Ivey announced Tuesday.

Hamm, who served in law enforcement for more than 35 years, came to the post in January 2022. During his tenure, state officials point to a range of developments within the corrections system, including progress on the construction of two new men’s prisons, increased recruitment and retention of corrections officers, and enforcement of stricter conduct policies for staff and inmates.

“It has been the honor of my serve to serve in Governor Ivey’s Administration, and I thank her for giving me that opportunity and empowering me to lead the Department of Corrections forward,” Hamm said. “Governor Ivey’s unwavering support for the Department has been outstanding. When I started at Corrections in 2022, Governor Ivey gave me the charge of making the Department better and with her support, as well as the support of her staff and the hardworking men and women of ADOC, we have accomplished that.”

In a statement, Ivey credited Hamm with helping advance improvements within the department, while noting that ongoing efforts remain. She also announced her appointment of corrections and law enforcement veteran Greg Lovelace as Hamm’s replacement.

She said Lovelace’s experience in corrections and law enforcement positions him to continue that work through the remainder of her term.

Lovelace brings more than 3 decades of corrections experience to the position. During his tenure within the Department of Corrections, he oversaw maintenance and construction projects while management all prisons within the system.

The Governor called him a “true public servant” who is “once again answering the call to lend his leadership to the state.”

Lovelace will begin his tenure on May 1.

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