Governor Brad Little announced key leadership changes in his administration today, including a new director for the Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC) and an appointment to the Idaho Transportation Board.
Bree Derrick Appointed as IDOC Director
The Idaho Board of Correction has appointed Bree Derrick as the new Director of IDOC, succeeding Josh Tewalt, who is leaving the agency for the private sector.
Derrick, who has served as IDOC Deputy Director since 2019, has been instrumental in establishing the department as a national model for corrections. She has led the agency’s staffing efforts, earning national recognition for recruitment and retention best practices. With over 20 years of experience in corrections and behavioral health, Derrick is widely regarded for her expertise in evidence-based practices and crime reduction strategies.
“I look forward to reinvigorating partnerships with key stakeholders to further drive down crime in Idaho,” Derrick said. “The staff at IDOC do critical public safety work for Idaho, and I’m committed to increasingly highlighting their role in making Idaho safer.”
Tewalt, who has led IDOC since 2018, played a pivotal role in securing major investments in department personnel and implementing reforms that enhanced public safety and offender accountability. Under his leadership, the department made significant strides in reducing recidivism rates and improving rehabilitation efforts.
“I’m incredibly proud of the men and women who work in corrections. I’m honored to have been a part of their great work, and I couldn’t be more excited to leave the department in Bree’s capable hands,” Tewalt said.
Gov. Little praised Tewalt’s leadership, stating, “Josh championed significant, effective reforms in corrections and made Idaho a shining example of how we can be tough on crime while ensuring those who want to become productive members of society have an off-ramp to a better life.”
Idaho Board of Correction Chairman Dodds Hayden echoed this sentiment, adding, “We owe Josh a debt of gratitude for his service. Idaho is fortunate to have a leader of Bree Derrick’s caliber willing to take the reins.”
Tewalt will remain at IDOC through most of the legislative session before transitioning to a new role focused on helping correctional systems nationwide address complex challenges.
Paul Franz Appointed to Idaho Transportation Board
Gov. Little also announced the appointment of Paul Franz as the District 1 representative on the Idaho Transportation Board.
Franz, a professional engineer, recently retired as performance manager for the northwest region at CRH, a leading provider of building materials solutions. He has served as past president and active board member of the Idaho Associated General Contractors, demonstrating a strong commitment to community involvement and infrastructure development.
“Paul Franz has the personal and professional qualities to help Idaho advance historic investments in transportation to keep up with the needs of our rapidly growing state,” Gov. Little said. “I appreciate his willingness to serve the people of Idaho on the transportation board.”
Franz’s nomination was reviewed in committee Tuesday. The Idaho Transportation Board is responsible for establishing state transportation policy and overseeing a safe, efficient, and economically beneficial transportation network for Idaho.
By: DNU staff