Chester, PA – Kenneth Eason, a native of North Philadelphia, has been named superintendent of the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Chester. He replaces Marirosa Lamas, who recently retired after a lengthy corrections career.
"Having served in a variety of security-related positions at one of our largest prisons, Ken's military and corrections experience will serve him well in his new role as superintendent," said Executive Deputy Secretary for Institutions Tabb Bickell. "Ken also is a compassionate and well-educated man who possesses great leadership qualities. Under his direction, the prison has embarked upon a research program that will test Scandinavian incarceration policies and procedures at SCI Chester. Exciting things are happening at SCI Chester thanks to him and his staff."
Eason began his corrections career in 1990 at SCI Graterford, where he started as a corrections officer and rose through the ranks serving as sergeant and lieutenant before transferring to SCI Chester in 2012. While at SCI Chester, he held positions as major of the guard and deputy superintendent for facilities management. He also served on several specialized teams such as the Corrections Emergency Response Team and the Fire Emergency Response Team.
Eason, who was raised by his widowed mother, Agnes Eason, is a proud 1983 graduate of the Milton Hershey School and served in the United States Air Force as a Tactical Air Control Specialist. During a TEDx talk several years ago, he shared information about being raised by a single mother, his traumatic elementary school days where he was bullied and beaten daily, and how his mother used resources to remove him from a traumatic situation so he could be educated and not become another statistic of incarceration. View his TEDx talk where he shares his experiences.
During his TEDx talk, Eason said, "We must utilize the resources we have – because we can't do it alone – to ensure our children are driven down the path of preentry so they need not experience reentry."
Eason continues to be a huge supporter of the Milton Hershey School and works with school officials to identify children of inmates who may qualify for enrollment. He believes in the positive impact such assistance can provide school-age children.
Eason enjoys cultivating community relationships that will better enhance those under his care during their incarceration. He believes in giving back to the underserved communities because he understands the challenges those communities present.
At SCI Chester, Eason supports the WAGS dog training program, and he has assisted in the start of the DOC's first senior center operating within a state prison, called the Life Enhancement Program Center.
Eason's wife also works for the Department of Corrections. They have two daughters.
SCI Chester opened in April 1990 and houses adult men.
To learn more about SCI Chester and the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, visit www.cor.pa.gov.
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