O’Hare has spent more than two decades working within the Iowa DOC and has built a career focused on institutional operations, security leadership, and correctional management. Before being selected for the top role at Mount Pleasant, she served as the facility’s Associate Warden of Security, where she oversaw security operations and worked on improving safety measures, compliance standards, and overall efficiency.
In a statement, O’Hare said she is honored to take on the position and looks forward to continuing her work with the facility and the department. She emphasized a focus on strong leadership, accountability, and helping incarcerated individuals prepare for successful reentry into Iowa communities.
Her previous experience also includes serving as Treatment Services Director at Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility, along with leadership roles at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center. Throughout her career, she has been involved in efforts to strengthen facility operations while also supporting rehabilitation programs.
State officials expressed confidence in her appointment. Iowa DOC Director Beth Skinner described O’Hare as a proven leader with a strong understanding of modern corrections, highlighting her experience and commitment to both safety and rehabilitation. Deputy Director Marcy Stroud also noted O’Hare’s ability to lead teams, improve collaboration, and enhance operational performance across departments.
O’Hare holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Buena Vista University and a master’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Wisconsin–Platteville.
The Iowa Department of Corrections has announced a leadership change at the Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility, naming Kristen O’Hare as the new warden.
O’Hare has spent more than two decades working within the Iowa DOC and has built a career focused on institutional operations, security leadership, and correctional management. Before being selected for the top role at Mount Pleasant, she served as the facility’s Associate Warden of Security, where she oversaw security operations and worked on improving safety measures, compliance standards, and overall efficiency.
In a statement, O’Hare said she is honored to take on the position and looks forward to continuing her work with the facility and the department. She emphasized a focus on strong leadership, accountability, and helping incarcerated individuals prepare for successful reentry into Iowa communities.
Her previous experience also includes serving as Treatment Services Director at Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility, along with leadership roles at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center. Throughout her career, she has been involved in efforts to strengthen facility operations while also supporting rehabilitation programs.
State officials expressed confidence in her appointment. Iowa DOC Director Beth Skinner described O’Hare as a proven leader with a strong understanding of modern corrections, highlighting her experience and commitment to both safety and rehabilitation. Deputy Director Marcy Stroud also noted O’Hare’s ability to lead teams, improve collaboration, and enhance operational performance across departments.
O’Hare holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Buena Vista University and a master’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Wisconsin–Platteville.
Edited for correction
