Gov. Doug Ducey has appointed a new leader for Arizona’s juvenile corrections agency. On Monday, Ducey announced he has appointed Douglas Sargent as director of the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections. Sargent is a longtime administrator at the agency, serving as deputy director for the past three years.
Before serving as deputy director, Sargent also served as the department’s inspector general and also had a 20-year-career in the U.S. Air Force.
Sargent will replace Jeff Hood, who will leave the position on January 8. Hood is retiring after five years at the Juvenile Corrections Department and 30 years in the youth and adult corrections field. Hood started his public service career as a corrections officer working with youth at Adobe Mountain School in 1979.
Ducey said in a press release, “For years now, Douglas Sargent has been a crucial leader at the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections,” said Governor Ducey. “His years of experience in organizational leadership, juvenile justice, and evidence-based program deployment make him a great fit to take over for Director Hood. I want to recognize the incredible work and dedication of Director Hood, who has been instrumental in the rehabilitation of Arizona’s youth. I’m grateful for Director Hood’s dedication to public safety, and I look forward to continuing that work with Director Sargent.”
Ducey commented on Twitter, “Doug has been a crucial leader @ArizonaDJC for years now. He brings a wealth of experience in juvenile justice and evidence-based programs deployment. I’m confident in his ability to lead the Department & continue advancing public safety through rehabilitating Arizona’s youth.”
Sargent thanked Hood for his leadership and impact on the department.
Sargent commented, “I am incredibly thankful and honored by Governor Ducey’s confidence in me to serve as Director of Juvenile Corrections. Director Hood’s knowledge of juvenile rehabilitation and resolute leadership has made a lasting positive impact on the department, and I am extremely grateful to have worked with him over the past five years. I look forward to continuing to ensure that the Department is a national leader in juvenile rehabilitation and re-entry.”
