Bill Lewis – Director of Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Logistics
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
Public career highlights and education: In 1984, I joined the Texas Department of Criminal Justice as a correctional officer. I was promoted through the correctional ranks, serving from sergeant through assistant regional director and then as a senior warden of five correctional institutions. My career continued as a deputy division director and now, as division director of the manufacturing, agribusiness and logistics division.
What I like best about my public service is: Serving our community. Being part of an agency where I can invest in the public safety of our citizens and the success of those incarcerated means the world to me. Public service runs deep in my family. My mother retired from the Texas Youth Commission and my father retired from TDCJ.
The best advice I’ve received: Simple. “Work Hard, Stay Humble.” Having humility and being a servant leader is the most important life lesson for leaders in public service. Challenges come and go each day; however, true leadership is showing you care to the people that are closest to you and those less fortunate. That’s the true definition of public service.
Something people might be surprised to know about me: I have 5 children and 7 grandchildren.
One thing I wish more people knew about the Texas Department of Criminal Justice: I wish people could have an in-depth look into the commitment of our staff each day, despite being in one of the most challenging environments. TDCJ employees are true and courageous public servants. Negative connotations are ever present with any large Criminal Justice Agency; however, the men and women of TDCJ take seriously their responsibility to provide public safety and successfully help the incarcerated men and women reintegrate into their communities.
