Mayor Fischer appoints Jerry Collins as new Director of Louisville Metro Corrections
Mayor Greg Fischer announced today that he’s appointed Lt. Col. Jerry Collins, currently Jail Commander for the Clark County Sheriff’s office, to be the new Director of the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections (LMDC).
Collins, a U.S. Army veteran, worked for LMDC in a variety of leadership roles before retiring in October 2021 and moving to the Clark County position. He joined the LMDC team as a correctional officer in 2000 and was a Correctional Major overseeing operations and training when he left. He replaces Dwayne Clark, who announced his retirement earlier this month after serving as jail director since 2019.
“Jerry has the vast experience and skill set to lead the Corrections staff,” the Mayor said. “He knows our community, he knows LMDC, having worked his way up through every position there, and is considered an innovative thinker with an extensive background in training. He has both the skills and the passion needed in this time of challenge.”
Collins, who also developed and implemented community service and public engagement efforts when he was previously with LMDC, said he is honored by the opportunity to “come home” and serve as the Corrections Department’s director.
“I know and value the team at Metro Corrections, and I’m well aware of challenges facing jail officers and employees here and across our nation right now,” Collins said. “I am confident that we can overcome those challenges and build on the team’s good work and commitment to sound, compassionate correctional care. I appreciate Mayor Fischer’s support and I’m eager to get to work!”
As a member of the LMDC leadership team, Collins contributed to the jail’s successful efforts to earn accreditations from the American Corrections Association and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care. He has participated in the National Institute of Corrections Executive Leadership Training program in 2019-20, and previously attended the National Jail Leadership Academy.
The Louisville native and his wife of 20 years, Mary, now live in Jeffersonville.
