- Gardening
- Camping
- Fishing
- Family trips to the mountains
David Millis
WASHINGTON,NC
Summary
Seasoned corrections leader with over 27 years of progressive experience in adult corrections, public safety, and institutional administration. Proven record in managing and restoring order in a crisis, building community partnerships, implementing staff recognition programs, and achieving high compliance/audit results. Experienced Warden of a diagnostic-center facility managing large offender populations and multi-hundred person staffs.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Regional Director
NCDAC
09.2025 - Current
- Led Eastern Region through various departmental initiatives.
- Current Interim Regional Director.
- Directly supervise 13 wardens, Regional Business Officer and Regional Programs Director.
- On-Call Region Duty Officer for the reporting of Level 1 and Level 2 Emergencies.
- Conduct mock audits in other regions.
- Manage Regional Staff as it pertains to hiring, promotions, budgets, maintenance, operational needs and staff disciplinary.
- Attend and participate in Division Management Meetings.
- Conduct monthly Warden Meetings.
- Conduct quarterly facility visits.
Warden, Craven Correctional Institution
North Carolina Department of Adult Correction
11.2018 - 09.2025
- Led operations for a diagnostic-center facility housing up to 850 offenders; manage 325 staff across custody, programs, and support functions.
- On-Call Duty Officer for the reporting of Level 1 and 2 Emergencies.
- Directed efforts that produced ACA audit results of 100% (mandatory files) and 98.5% (non-mandatory), resulting in recommendation for full accreditation.
- Launched and institutionalized an Employee Recognition Program and staff-appreciation initiatives that improved morale and retention.
- Led facility through unprecedented world-wide pandemic.
- Reviewed and approved facility SOPs and Emergency Plans
- Incident Commander during prison emergencies.
- Managed facility management team regarding hiring, promotions, budget, operations, programs and employee disciplinary.
Superintendent, Hyde Correctional Institution
North Carolina Department of Adult Correction
05.2017 - 11.2018
- Managed day-to-day institution operations, security, and staff supervision; implemented protocols to improve safety and operational consistency.
- On-call Duty Officer for the reporting of Level 1 and 2 Emergencies.
- Worked with interagency organizations to enhance emergency preparedness.
- Conducted regular inspections to assess site conditions, addressing issues to maintain safety and security.
- Resolved conflicts efficiently among team members, fostering a positive work environment.
- Oversaw budgets and expenditures to maintain fiscal responsibility.
Assistant Superintendent of Custody, Bertie Correctional Institution
North Carolina Department of Adult Correction
12.2014 - 05.2017
- Oversaw the operations and security of entire facility.
- Assisted in the implementation of NC's first Public Safety Cadet Program at Bertie High School.
- Participated in Management Meetings to discuss budgetary needs, staff discipline, operational concerns to include those pertaining to maintenance and medical.
- Incident Commander during emergency situations
- On-call Duty Officer for the reporting of Level 1 and 2 Emergencies.
- Served at Interim Superintendent for a period of 6 months while position was vacant.
Captain / Lieutenant / Assistant Unit Manager / Sergeant / Correctional Officer
North Carolina Department of Corrections
10.1998 - 12.2014
- Progressed through custody leadership roles after starting as correctional officer in 2000.
- Served on the Regional Drug Interdiction Team.
- Wrote post orders, SOP's and Emergency plans.
- Acted as a Shift OIC.
- Worked in both the Fiscal and Operational sections.
- Conducted various reports to include internal investigations, offender disciplinary, incident reports and monthly reports.
Correctional Officer/Senior Correctional Officer
Corrections Corporation of America
08.1998 - 10.2000
- Escorted inmates to and from cells, court, hospitals, and medical appointments.
- Coordinated inmate movement, managing schedules while maintaining order and adherence to policies.
- Tracked inmates through head counts, visitor logs, and scheduled activities.
- Member of the facilities Special Operations Response Team (SORT).
- New hire instructor.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice
Craven Community College
Skills
- Institutional operations
- Crisis response & incident management
- Staff leadership & development
- Accreditation & compliance (ACA)
- Security & custody procedures
- Community & law enforcement relations
- Program development
- Volunteer & fundraising initiatives
- Staff oversight
- Teamwork
Accomplishments
- Restored institutional morale and operations during and after critical incidents such as serious assaults, murders, evacuations, and pandemic-related challenges.
- 2023 NCDAC Warden of the Year
- 2024 NC nominee for NAAWS Warden of the Year
- Achieved outstanding ACA audit performance leading to accreditation recommendation at 2 different facilities.
- Completed PEAK Performance
- Completed NAAWS Peer Interaction Program
Affiliations
- American Legion
- Correctional Peace Officers Foundation
- NAAWS
- ACA
- Volunteer, Food Bank of the Albemarle
- Member, First Church of Christ (Washington, NC)
Interests
Timeline
Assistant Regional Director
NCDAC
09.2025 - Current
Warden, Craven Correctional Institution
North Carolina Department of Adult Correction
11.2018 - 09.2025
Superintendent, Hyde Correctional Institution
North Carolina Department of Adult Correction
05.2017 - 11.2018
Assistant Superintendent of Custody, Bertie Correctional Institution
North Carolina Department of Adult Correction
12.2014 - 05.2017
Captain / Lieutenant / Assistant Unit Manager / Sergeant / Correctional Officer
North Carolina Department of Corrections
10.1998 - 12.2014
Correctional Officer/Senior Correctional Officer
Corrections Corporation of America
08.1998 - 10.2000
Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice
Craven Community College
Military Service
United States Coast Guard, Enlisted, 1991-10-01, 1998-07-01
Served at 2 duty locations (Portsmouth VA and Hobucken NC)
Certified boat coxswain
Certified Boarding Officer and Boarding Team Member
Good Conduct Award, Meritorious Unit Accommodation and National Defense Ribbon to name a few
Honorably Discharged
Native County
Onslow County