Montgomery County names Monica Harris executive director of Community Corrections; HR and legal hires underway

County officials announced that Monica Harris has been promoted to executive director of Montgomery County Community Corrections and that county hiring remains underway for several other senior positions.

"That person is none other than Miss Monica Harris," a speaker for the Montgomery County Community Corrections Authority said as the commission recognized the promotion; the authority's chairwoman said Harris has been serving in the duties of the post for 10 to 11 months and will be the first woman to hold the position.

Monica Harris addressed the commission and thanked family and staff, saying she looks forward to partnering with community leaders and local agencies to "reduce the recidivism in our offenders and participate and give them the tools to become better citizens in our community." She stressed continuity of the program and future initiatives but did not announce specific new programs or budget changes at the meeting.

Separately, county administrative staff updated commissioners on recruitment for key positions. The HR director position had active applications under review, interviews expected the following week and a recommendation forecast for the first week in June. The county's open county-attorney posting was described as circulated widely — including to local judges and the bar — and the public-relations vacancy has closed and awaits a certification list from HR for next steps. County administrators said interim legal work is being handled by outside counsel firms named in the meeting (Ball and Ball; other local counsel) while the county completes a permanent hire.

The commission did not take a formal recorded vote to appoint Harris during the meeting; the announcement was presented by the Community Corrections board and recognized by the commission. County staff said they will bring formal personnel items forward when official hiring actions are required by county policy.