Senate committee advances CDCR director and associate director nominees after extended questioning on prison safety and women's facilities

The California State Senate committee voted 5-0 June 18 to advance two senior nominations at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) — Gina Jones, nominee for director of the Division of Adult Institutions, and Brian Phillips, nominee for associate director for Region 3 — sending both to the full Senate for consideration.

Both nominees described long careers in corrections and emphasized safety, rehabilitation and staff support as priorities. Jones, who identified herself as representing the director and described decades of CDCR experience, told the committee she is “deeply committed to the mission of CDCR, ensuring to provide a safe environment for all while giving opportunities for rehabilitation and self growth.” Phillips said his goal is “for staff and incarcerated persons to be safe and to get a positive experience out of their journeys as employees and incarcerated…