The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice has named Daren Bruce as the new superintendent at Wilkes Correctional Center in North Wilkesboro.
Bruce is a 26-year corrections veteran who most recently served as assistant superintendent of custody and operations at Alexander Correctional Institution in Taylorsville. He began his career as a correctional officer in Alexander County and served many of his early years at Western Youth Institution. At Alexander CI, he served as a unit manager, special affairs captain, accreditation manager and PREA compliance manager.
Wilkes Correctional Center is a minimum-security prison housing about 260 male inmates supervised by a staff of 55 employees. It provides numerous work opportunities for inmates, preparing them for release and transition back to the community.
Bruce is a resident of Hiddenite and a graduate of Alexander Central High School. He replaces former superintendent Bobby Harless, who retired.