This podcast episode features Washington State’s Department of Corrections, Director of Person-Centered Services, as he recounts his exemplary re-entry journey, from incarceration for a drug-related offense to his current role as a senior corrections official.
In this Justice Today episode, host Karen Friedman interviews Chris Poulos about lessons he learned during his remarkable personal journey from incarceration to lawyer and White House Fellow in the Office of National Drug Control Policy, to senior corrections policymaker in the State of Washington. Poulos describes his current job, a recently created senior position in Washington State’s Department of Corrections, what he hopes to accomplish, and his path from incarceration in prison for a drug-related offense. He discusses some challenges faced by corrections facilities, including Covid pandemic-related restrictions and reduced programming. He also discusses how his life experience has influenced his work on re-entry issues.