Brandeshawn (Brande) Harris has over three decades of experience in the field of corrections. She currently serves as the chief deputy secretary for operations at the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction. In this role, she oversees multiple divisions including Community Supervision, Correction Enterprises, Emergency Preparedness, and the state prison system.
Harris joined the North Carolina Department of Public Safety in November 2019 as the assistant commissioner of the Division of Prisons, where she managed the operations of the state prison system. She further demonstrated her leadership abilities as the interim commissioner of state prisons from June 2022 to January 2023.
Prior to her tenue in North Carolina, Harris dedicated much of her career to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. Starting in 1995 as a correction officer, she ascended through the ranks, serving as lieutenant, investigator, warden’s assistant, deputy warden, and warden. Her extensive experience includes managing both a female reintegration center and a large close custody male facility. Harris work experience includes both the state and the county system.
Harris holds an associate degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Akron, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Tiffin University, and a master’s degree in management from Indiana Wesleyan University. She has also completed advanced training through the National Institute of Corrections and is an active member of the American Correctional Association.
Passionate about empowering women in corrections, Harris is committed to mentoring and educating female professionals in the field. She believes that women play a crucial role in corrections, bringing a natural passion for people and working diligently to create safe, humane, and productive environments for the staff, the incarcerated, and for those under supervision in the community.