The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice has named Michael Roach as warden of Dan River Prison Work Farm in Blanch.
He has served as assistant warden at the facility since 2015.
As warden, Roach is responsible for all operations at the male, minimum custody facility, which features a joint venture with the N.C. Wildlife Commission to restore forest land, parks and lakes across North Carolina.
Other programs offered at the work farm include drug and alcohol dependency classes, high-school equivalency preparation, and instruction in carpentry, masonry, information systems technology, horticulture, basic electricity and human resource development.
“Warden Roach is an experienced leader with decades of experience,” said Commissioner of Prisons Todd Ishee. “He is a terrific addition to our team of wardens who work hard to protect the public, the staff and the men and women in our care. He knows the Dan River operation from top to bottom.”
A veteran employee to state government, Roach began his career in 1990 as a correctional officer at the now-closed Blanch Correctional Institution. He progressed through the ranks as a sergeant, lieutenant and captain at Blanch and at Polk Correctional Institution before his promotion to associate warden at Dan River.
Roach is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, serving on active duty from 1986-1990.
He holds an advanced corrections certificate. During his lengthy career, he was a certified general instructor for the Department of Public Safety and served on the Prison Emergency Response Team and as a Facility Intelligence Officer.
He was named Correctional Officer of the Year in 1993.
He is active in the American Legion and within his community. He is also a member of the Correctional Peace Officer Foundation.
Dan River Prison Work Farm, a 187-acre site, was opened in 1996.