Kathleen “Katie” Howard stands with members of her family and work colleagues after the Senate Rules committee voted to confirm her as executive director of the BSCC on May 21, 2014 SACRAMENTO – The Senate Rules Committee voted 4-0 to confirm Gov. Jerry Brown’s appointment of Kathleen Howard as Executive Director of the Board of State and Community Corrections. Howard, 50, has been in the role since October 2013, after serving for 24 years in a wide range of leadership, policy, advocacy and management roles in California State Government. Prior to her appointment she served as vice chair of the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board. She spent most of her career with the Judicial Council of California, Administrative Office of the Courts, Office of Governmental Affairs. Howard is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of the BSCC’s divisions: Corrections Planning and Programs & Construction, Facilities Standards Operations, Standards and Training for Corrections, and Administration, Research, and Program Support. She is also involved in strategic planning efforts with BSCC leadership and staff, and with the many stakeholders who are engaged with the Board. The BSCC was established by 2012 legislation to provide realignment leadership and technical assistance to the adult and juvenile justice systems. Other core duties performed at the BSCC include the establishment of regulations and inspections for adult and juvenile jails and holding cells, the administration of grant programs and jail construction, the training of local correctional officers and assessments of their needs, decisions on funding allocations for jail construction the awarding of grants to evidence-based programs.