Governor Dan McKee has nominated Wayne Salisbury, Jr. to lead the Rhode Island Department of Corrections and Katelyn Medeiros as the state’s next Child Advocate.
Salisbury is a veteran of the United States Air Force and has worked for more than 30 years in public safety, rising through the ranks to his current position of RIDOC’s Interim Director responsible for overseeing the administration and operations of the agency. He previously worked as the department’s Assistant Director, Deputy Warden, and Acting Warden. Prior to his time at DOC, Salisbury served as the Warden of the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls from 2004 to 2010.
“Wayne’s experience in the Department of Corrections is extensive, and he has played an important role in day-to-day operations and long-term, strategic planning for the department,” said Governor Dan McKee. “I look forward to continuing to work with Director Salisbury to maintain high professional standards at the DOC and ensure a safe environment across all correctional facilities in Rhode Island.”
Salisbury is a Certified Corrections Executive and has received specialized training from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the National Institute of Corrections. He was recognized with the 2007 Neil J. Houston Jr. Award for Dedicated Service and Citizen Contribution Toward the Criminal Justice Profession and Public Interest.
He is an active member of the Correctional Leaders Association, American Jail Association, and the American Correctional Association. Salisbury received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Roger Williams University, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Rhode Island, and a second bachelor’s in cyber security from New England Institute of Technology.
“I’m honored to have led the Rhode Island Department of Corrections over the last sixteen months, as we have faced operational challenges in areas such as staffing, recruitment, restrictive housing, and recidivism reduction to name a few. I am grateful for the Governor’s nomination and pledge my continuous commitment to provide a safe and secure environment for all while offering rehabilitative and vocational opportunities for those returning to our communities,” said Salisbury. “By providing these opportunities, the goal is to decrease recidivism and further reduce victimization in our state. And finally, I would like to acknowledge the men and women of this organization, whose hard work often goes unrecognized and underappreciated. “We look forward to the American Correctional Association accreditation process, and bringing contemporary, nationwide best practices to Rhode Island, to solidify our department as one of the best operating agencies in the country.”
Governor Dan McKee has also nominated Katelyn Medeiros, Esq., to serve as the state’s next child advocate.
Medeiros has worked in the Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) since 2014 and has served as the state’s Acting Child Advocate since July 2022. As acting Child Advocate/Director, Medeiros’ accomplishments include re-establishing the OCA Advisory Committee and hiring an Educational Advocate.
Medeiros was previously a staff attorney at the OCA and worked as a law clerk and associate at Rhode Island-based firms Motley Rice, LLC and the Law Office of Timothy Morgan, respectively.
Medeiros is bar-certified in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and in the United States District Court of Rhode Island. She is a 2013 graduate of the Roger Williams University School of Law and completed her undergraduate degree at Rhode Island College.
“I am honored to be selected as Governor McKee’s nominee for Rhode Island’s next Child Advocate. During the last ten years, my passion and commitment to this important work has remained steadfast. I will provide continuity to the critical work of our office to ensure the best interest of all children experiencing our child welfare, children’s behavioral health, and juvenile justice systems,” said Medeiros. “I am humbled by the overwhelming support I have received during my tenure as Acting Child Advocate from my dedicated colleagues at the OCA, as well as community and government partners committed to this important work. I believe we have momentum and look forward to identifying innovative solutions necessary for systemic reform.”
Medeiros’ name was selected from a list of names provided to the Governor by the statutory search committee in accordance with Rhode Island state law.
Both nominations will be submitted to the Rhode Island Senate for advice and consent.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
