Don Dease began his Correctional Career in 1974 as a Recreational Coordinator at MacDougall Youth Institution in South Carolina.
From May 1976 through February 1980 he held various positions including Deputy Warden and Administrative Assistant.
In February 1980 he was named Warden at Dutchman Correctional Region and promoted to Regional Director in 1983.
Don served as Regional Director for 14 years and supervised 10 facilities. He retired as Institutional Division Director with the South Carolina Department of Corrections.
During his career, Don was active in many professional organizations including the South Carolina Correctional Association, American Correctional Association, Southern States Correctional Association, and South Carolina State Employees Association. Don has also been an active part of NAAWS (North American Association of Wardens & Superintendents) and a founding member of the Make-A-Smile Foundation.
Nothing brings Don more joy than bringing happiness to a child in need.
He is a graduate of the Citadel with a BS in Education, a Master of Arts in Teaching, and a degree in Criminal Justice. Don was inducted into the Citadel Athletic Hall of Fame in 1997 for his stellar football career.
Don became involved with CPOF in 1997 after he was invited to PROJECT VIII in Washington, D.C.. The annual event made an impression on him and he knew he wanted to be involved. In 2002, after 30 years of service, Don retired from the South Carolina Department of Corrections. The following day, he traveled to PROJECT XIII in Tampa, FL. In the years that followed, he worked with Char Corby as a Field Representative for South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. Don and his wife, Judy, were instrumental in securing CPOF payroll deduction in Georgia.
Don was selected to the CPOF Board in 2010. In 2011, with a Leave of Absence from the Board, he went to Afghanistan as an advisor to the Afghan Correctional System. He returned stateside and to CPOF in 2012. Following the untimely death of Larry Corby in 2014, Don was selected as Secretary and served in that capacity until 2022, at which time he was selected as Vice Chairman.
In the 15 years Don has served on the CPOF Board of Directors, he has been an asset to advocating for the families of the fallen, correctional families in need, and those enduring natural disasters. During Hurricane Katrina, he rented trucks, loaded them with supplies, and drove them into areas where they were needed most. Don has been the truest definition of “taking care of our own.”
Don Dease is retiring from the CPOF Board of Directors effective the final day of PROJECT 2000 XXXVI. As an Emeritus Board Member, his strong beliefs of leading with love and from our hearts will continued to be heard as he has an opportunity to truly enjoy his retirement. We thank you deeply for your ongoing support, guidance, and leadership to CPOF.