MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee County Board has approved the appointment of Chantell Jewell as Supervisor of the House of Correction, making her the first Black woman to lead the department.
Nearly two-thirds of Milwaukee County Executive’s department leaders are now Black, and over half of department heads are women, according to the county.
Jewell served for more than 20 years for the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, working as a parole agent, youth counselor and field supervisor. Jewell also co-chaired the Regional Diversity Committee. Following her time at the WDC, Jewell worked as a Reentry Services Manager for EMPLOY Milwaukee.
For the last year, Jewell has served as a Deputy Administrator for Milwaukee County’s Division of Youth and Family Services.
Jewell's first day as acting superintendent with the HoC was Nov. 16.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley issued the following statement on Jewell's appointment:
“Chantell is the right kind of leader for the House of Correction at a time when the County is focused on promoting racial equity, addressing disparities, reducing incarceration, and promoting improved outcomes for residents across the board I have great confidence that Chantell will help us guide the House of Correction into a new era of restorative justice, one that gives residents the tools they need to thrive and avoid entering the system altogether.”
