Frankfort, Ky. (July 3, 2008) – Kentucky Department of Corrections Deputy Commissioner Al Parke today announced the promotion of Robert Howerton to warden of Blackburn Correctional Complex in Lexington. He begins his new job on July 16.
     A 21-year veteran of Corrections, Howerton has been serving as Deputy Warden of the Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex in West Liberty since 2005. He began his career in corrections as a Correctional Officer in 1987 at the Vanderburgh Community Corrections Complex in Evansville, Ind. In 1989 he went to work for the Indiana Department of Correction at the Branchville Correctional Facility. Howerton worked his way up through the ranks and held several key positions at the prison including sergeant, release coordinator, unit administrator, public information officer as well as accreditation manager. In 2003 Howerton was promoted to Deputy Warden of Programs at the Branchville prison.
     “Robert Howerton is a proven and effective correctional professional who has served in a variety of roles in two states,” said Parke. “His experience as a deputy warden in two states is the solid set of leadership skills that Blackburn requires and gives him the capability of being an outstanding warden for us.”
     Throughout his career in Corrections he has specialized in the area of tactical training.  Howerton was a K-9 handler and a member of the Emergency Squad (C.E.R.T/Corrections Emergency Response Team).  Howerton was an Emergency Response Operations team member from 1989 to 1998. He has also served as Corrections hostage negotiator, SIT-CON (Situation Control) Team Leader for seven years and was a Certified DOC Firearms/Chemical Agent Instructor and Facility Armory Officer. Additionally, he is currently a Certified Consultant/Auditor for the American Correctional Association (ACA). 
     In 2005, Howerton was appointed Superintendent (Warden) at the Edinburgh Correctional Facility in Edinburgh, Ind.  Later in 2005, Howerton accepted the position of Deputy Warden at the Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex.
     Howerton is a graduate of Indiana University with a concentration in social sciences, and a minor in sociology.