KATHYLEEN N. RATLIFF
Stockton,CA
Summary
Accomplished Corrections Executive with over 18 years of leadership experience in California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Expertise in managing high-complexity institutions and implementing trauma-informed, gender-responsive correctional practices. Proven ability to enhance operational accountability, ensure compliance, and improve institutional safety through strategic oversight of multidisciplinary teams. Recognized for commitment to professionalism, integrity, and effective service delivery.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Director, Division of Adult Institutions – Region II
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR)
05.2025 - Current
- Enhanced safety by providing strategic oversight for multiple correctional institutions.
- Directed public safety and rehabilitative operations across statewide correctional facilities.
- Guided Wardens to create trauma-informed, gender-responsive environments in institutions.
- Ensured policy compliance and operational accountability across all institutions.
- Oversaw PREA program, enhancing sexual safety standards and ensuring federal compliance.
- Implemented SB 132 statewide, promoting dignified treatment for transgender populations.
Warden (A)
California Health Care Facility
12.2024 - 04.2025
- Improved rehabilitation outcomes by leading complex correctional healthcare institution operations.
- Ensured secure and safe operations through strategic leadership and oversight.
- Directed executive teams in custody, healthcare, administration, and program management.
- Fostered culture of accountability and continuous improvement through policy compliance.
- Enhanced healthcare delivery by strengthening partnerships with healthcare executives.
- Represented institution effectively with oversight agencies and government officials.
Chief Deputy Warden (A)
California Health Care Facility
08.2024 - 12.2024
- Achieved seamless institutional operations by directing daily activities across multiple divisions.
- Oversaw daily functions of associate wardens and division heads to ensure operational efficiency.
- Assumed full command of institutional operations during Warden’s absence, maintaining continuity and stability.
- Balanced security needs with advanced healthcare delivery to ensure a safe environment for all.
- Implemented strategic initiatives to enhance safety protocols, improving overall institutional security measures.
- Monitored compliance with regulations to uphold institutional standards and foster a secure atmosphere.
- Facilitated staff training programs to enhance team effectiveness in managing complex operational challenges.
Correctional Administrator
California Health Care Facility
08.2023 - 08.2024
- Provided leadership over MHCB and PIP facilities; ensured compliance with Coleman mandates; strengthened crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and mental health safety measures; implemented quality improvement initiatives; and led specialized institutional initiatives.
- Managed office operations, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to policies.
- Developed training materials, enhancing onboarding efficiency for new staff members.
- Led initiatives to optimize resource allocation, reducing operational costs effectively.
Chief Deputy Warden (A)
Central California Women's Facility
03.2023 - 08.2023
- Directed comprehensive institutional operations, chaired critical committees, ensured legal and policy compliance, strengthened rehabilitation programming, managed emergency operations, and led budgetary oversight.
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring compliance with institutional policies and procedures.
- Analyzed incident reports to identify trends and improve response strategies within facility operations.
Correctional Administrator – Statewide PREA Coordinator
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
12.2021 - 03.2023
- Provided statewide leadership for PREA compliance; implemented statewide policy; led SB 132 implementation; coordinated audits; supervised compliance staff; collaborated with internal and external oversight partners; ensured federal standards alignment.
Facility/Central Operations Captain
Central California Women's Facility
05.2021 - 12.2021
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations through effective daily operations oversight.
- Enhanced staff efficiency by developing and implementing targeted training programs.
- Promoted positive behavior changes by coordinating inmate rehabilitation initiatives.
- Maintained facility safety by monitoring security systems and responding to incidents.
- Identified improvement areas through regular assessments of facility conditions.
Associate Warden (A)
Central California Women's Facility
07.2020 - 05.2021
- Ensured compliance with institutional policies by supervising daily operations.
- Enhanced team performance through development of effective staff training programs.
- Partnered with law enforcement to uphold safety and security protocols.
- Streamlined processes by analyzing operational data to identify service delivery trends.
Custody/Facility Captain
Central California Women's Facility
03.2019 - 07.2020
- Ensured compliance with CDCR policies through effective daily security supervision.
- Managed Central Operations including housing units and perimeter security functions.
- Provided strategic leadership to custody staff, enhancing facility safety and security.
- Monitored inmate movement and contraband to maintain operational integrity and accountability.
- Reviewed post orders and managed overtime to optimize staffing efficiency.
Community Resources Manager (A)
Central California Women's Facility
03.2018 - 03.2019
- Enhanced community program effectiveness by overseeing department operations and volunteer efforts.
- Coordinated services and activities supporting rehabilitation and successful re-entry for inmates.
- Forged partnerships with community organizations to strengthen institutional support and expand programs.
- Ensured compliance by managing volunteer clearances, documentation, and program records efficiently.
- Facilitated communication between inmates and stakeholders, addressing appeals for program access.
Correctional Lieutenant
Central California Women's Facility
08.2016 - 03.2019
- Ensured safety compliance in daily operations through effective supervision.
- Enhanced inmate engagement by coordinating schedules for various programs and activities.
- Identified security vulnerabilities through regular facility inspections and recommended improvements.
- Mentored junior staff on conflict resolution and effective communication strategies.
Correctional Sergeant
Central California Women's Facility
05.2013 - 07.2016
- Ensured compliance with policies by supervising daily operational activities.
- Enhanced staff safety knowledge through coordinated training programs and workshops.
- Maintained facility security by conducting regular inspections for breaches.
- Managed inmate classifications to determine suitable housing based on individual behaviors.
- Streamlined housing assignments by assessing inmate needs and behavior efficiently.
Correctional Officer
California Institution for Women
10.2007 - 05.2013
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations by monitoring inmate activities.
- Identified safety hazards through regular inspections of facilities and equipment.
- Managed inmate behavior effectively using conflict resolution techniques and strategies.
- Documented daily activities and incidents in detailed reports for review.
Education
Lake Tahoe Community College
South Lake Tahoe, CARio Hondo Community College
Whittier, CARichard A. McGee Correctional Training Facility
Galt, CASkills
- Project management
- Strategic leadership
- Analytical thinking
- Coaching and mentoring
Timeline
Associate Director, Division of Adult Institutions – Region II
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR)
05.2025 - Current
Warden (A)
California Health Care Facility
12.2024 - 04.2025
Chief Deputy Warden (A)
California Health Care Facility
08.2024 - 12.2024
Correctional Administrator
California Health Care Facility
08.2023 - 08.2024
Chief Deputy Warden (A)
Central California Women's Facility
03.2023 - 08.2023
Correctional Administrator – Statewide PREA Coordinator
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
12.2021 - 03.2023
Facility/Central Operations Captain
Central California Women's Facility
05.2021 - 12.2021
Associate Warden (A)
Central California Women's Facility
07.2020 - 05.2021
Custody/Facility Captain
Central California Women's Facility
03.2019 - 07.2020
Community Resources Manager (A)
Central California Women's Facility
03.2018 - 03.2019
Correctional Lieutenant
Central California Women's Facility
08.2016 - 03.2019
Correctional Sergeant
Central California Women's Facility
05.2013 - 07.2016
Correctional Officer
California Institution for Women
10.2007 - 05.2013
Lake Tahoe Community College
Rio Hondo Community College
Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Facility
EXECUTIVE & SPECIALIZED TRAINING
- POST Command College – Executive Leadership Series
- Directorate Leadership Development – UC Davis
- Executive Leadership Institute – CSU Chico
- Advanced Supervision Academy
- Leadership 101 – CSUS
- PREA, SB 132, EEO, leadership, emergency management and statewide compliance programs