Veil Oversight Board confirms Jeff Lang as interim warden at George W. Hill Correctional Facility

The Veil Oversight Board confirmed Jeff Lang as interim warden of George W. Hill Correctional Facility at a July 14 meeting, approving the appointment without recorded opposition.

Executive Director O'Malley recommended Lang and summarized his background, noting his bachelor's degree in criminal justice, a master's in public administration, certificates in emergency management and change management, prior service as a firefighter and police detective, overseas counterterrorism work, and recent administrative leadership at the county medical examiner's office where he secured about $600,000 in grant funding. O'Malley told the board Lang is a Delaware County resident and recommended him for the interim role.

Board members expressed support for Lang’s administrative skills and for a candidate who may bring new approaches despite not having a traditional corrections background. During public comment, Kim Brown Cowan questioned why confirmation was occurring at this meeting rather than at the personnel board meeting and raised Sunshine Act/home-charter concerns; the Chair responded that the executive director makes the appointment subject to confirmation under the jail oversight board ordinance and state law and that council confirmation has been a separate, historical practice.

The board invited Lang to say a few words after the vote. Lang said, "I don't have much to say, but, I really appreciate the opportunity and the trust that you have put in, made to lead this organization, and, I look to do the county just the best I can do." The board indicated members would continue oversight as Lang begins the interim assignment and expected to introduce him again at the next meeting.