Governor Henry McMaster has appointed Jake Gadsden, Jr. as the new Director of the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services (SCDPPPS). Gadsden is currently the Deputy Director for Programs, Reentry, and Rehabilitative Services at the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC), with over 30 years of experience in managing state and county correctional facilities.
“Jake Gadsden has a lifetime of experience in the criminal justice system and has proven himself to be a talented leader time and time again at the Department of Corrections,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “His experience in rehabilitation and reentry, coupled with his deep understanding of both the challenges and opportunities within the criminal justice system, make him an ideal leader for SCDPPPS. The future of this department will be in good hands under his guidance, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact of his leadership as we continue to work toward building a safer South Carolina.”
In his current role at SCDC, Gadsden oversees divisions responsible for reentry programs, education services for inmates, transitional services, victim services, prison industries, and support services like canteen operations and recycling.
Gadsden’s career began at SCDC in 2019 after serving as Regional Director of Operations and Warden at Tyger River Correctional Institution. He also held leadership positions with the Massachusetts Department of Corrections as superintendent and warden, as well as with the Rhode Island Department of Corrections where he served as warden and assistant director.
“I am so grateful for this opportunity,” said Jake Gadsden. “Like SCDC, the Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services is often overlooked but the work is just as important. We are all trying to do the same thing by helping these individuals rebuild and letting their families have a better life.”
Gadsden resides in Chapin, South Carolina. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of South Carolina and completed management training at Harvard University’s School of Government.
The appointment requires confirmation by the Senate.
