Former Federal Prisoner Josh Smith Abruptly Leaves Bureau of Prisons

Josh Smith, the unconventional Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), has abruptly left his position after just over a year. Smith, who was the first person to hold such a senior leadership position in the BOP after serving time in federal prison, brought a unique perspective to the role.

During his tenure, Smith and BOP Director William K. Marshall III implemented significant changes to the agency's management philosophy, including altering the warden selection process and challenging its relationship with the union representing BOP employees. The BOP also began rewriting decades-old policies and secured funding to address deteriorating prisons.

Smith was particularly proud of the new wardens and senior executives he helped place throughout the Bureau, as well as the changes in how future leaders would be identified and developed. He emphasized the need for outside expertise to help create safer and more efficient institutions.