Board approves Mark Covey and Rob Metzger as district directors

The Iowa Board of Corrections approved two district director appointments during its April 11 meeting.

Mark Covey, selected for the Third Judicial District, told the board he began working in criminal justice in 1997, served in Sioux City and joined the Department of Corrections in 2006 as a probation and parole officer. "I'm just excited to keep working for the Department of Corrections," Covey said in brief remarks after his nomination. Board member Becky moved approval; Jim seconded, and the chair recorded the motion as approved by voice.

Rob Metzger was presented as the Seventh Judicial District director following interviews March 28. Metzger described a background that includes a doctorate in clinical psychology and prior work at Oakdale and in CBCs. "I look forward to bringing that forward to the leaders in Seventh District and throughout our system," Metzger said. A board member moved approval and Jim seconded; the motion was recorded as approved by voice.

Why it matters: district directors oversee probation, parole and community‑based corrections programs in their judicial districts. The board’s approvals complete the appointment process described on the meeting agenda.

Votes and procedure

The transcript records motions and seconds for both appointments and multiple verbal approvals from board members; no roll‑call vote or individual named yes/no tally appears in the transcript.

Ending

Both directors addressed the board briefly and received congratulatory remarks from board members. The board proceeded to the next agenda item.