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NDCS execs appointed to national corrections association committees

April 10, 2019 (Lincoln, Neb) – 10, 2019 (Lincoln, Neb.) -- Two executive team members in the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) have been appointed to serve leadership positions in the American Correctional Association (ACA). The ACA, founded in 1870, is the largest and oldest corrections association in the world, responsible for establishing standards and auditing of accredited correctional agencies.

Dr. Harbans Deol, medical director, was named chair of the ACA Coalition of Correctional Health Authorities. The coalition is comprised of up to 50 healthcare specialists from across the nation. Dr. Deol has been a member of the group for more than a decade and was previously chair of the ACA Healthcare Committee from 2017 to 2019. Dr. Deol was appointed medical director of NDCS in 2017 and oversees the areas of medical, dental, psychiatry and behavioral health. Previously, Dr. Deol worked for the Iowa Department of Corrections as the health services administrator.

“The ACA Coalition of Correctional Health Authorities works to elevate the standards of health care for the country’s incarcerated population,” said Dr. Deol. “NDCS currently meets all ACA standards of care. I am honored to be selected to steer Nebraska and the rest of the nation’s standards forward to provide the best health care for all incarcerated individuals.”

Jeremy Elder, deputy director for industries, will serve as a member of the ACA Correctional Industries Committee. At NDCS, Elder oversees Cornhusker State Industries (CSI), Federal Surplus Property (FSP) and the agency’s engineering division. He also serves on the National Correctional Industry Association (NCIA) Board of Directors as chair of the South Central Correctional Industry Association, and has completed the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) Correctional Industry Director’s Training. He has been with NDCS since 2003 and was appointed a deputy director in 2016.

“Correctional industries has a proud history of preparing people for work after incarceration,” said Elder. “I am pleased to serve on the ACA Correctional Industries Committee to continue to grow the positive impact that this field has on reentry.”

Addressing their recent appointments, Director Scott R. Frakes added, “Dr. Deol and Jeremy Elder have worked hard to elevate the standards of care and opportunity for men and women housed in NDCS. They are both experts in their respective fields within correctional services. They will provide excellent leadership as members of these highly respected committees and for correctional systems across the nation.” 

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