In January 2024, Barb Lewien was appointed warden of the Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP), where she oversees operations at the state’s oldest correctional facility.
“One of the things I like the most about being a warden is mentoring team members and celebrating their success as they promote or lead NDCS projects,” she said.
Warden Lewien began her corrections career in 1994 as a unit case manager for a community corrections center in Wyoming. Two years later, she joined the Hastings Correctional Center as a teacher. Since then, she has rose through the ranks of NDCS, holding positions that include unit case manager, security administrator, deputy warden and warden.
“I have learned a lot over the years from incarcerated individuals and their family members,” she said. “Good communication between team members, the population and their families improve working relationships and increases understanding between all parties.”
Warden Lewien holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the University of Wyoming.