Warden Smith Retires After

More Than 41 Years of Dedicated Service

Greencastle, Ind. – Brian Smith, Warden of Putnamville Correctional Facility (ISF) for the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) began his career on December 11, 1978 as a Substance Abuse Counselor at ISF. Smith promoted to Correctional Caseworker December 1979, Unit Team Manager in 1986, Deputy Warden at Rockville Correctional in 2002, and served as Deputy Warden at Wabash Valley Correctional. In 2011 Smith was promoted to Warden at Plainfield Correctional Facility. Smith then returned to ISF on May 24, 2015 where he finishes his career as Warden.

Brian Smith graduated from Western Michigan University in 1978. His personal interests outside the agency include spending time with his family and friends, bird hunting, I.U. Basketball, fishing, golfing, and attempting to win at Euchre. 

Warden Brian Smith retired from the Indiana Department of Corrections on May 15, 2020. Brian Smith’s legacy in the Indiana Department of Corrections and Putnamville Correctional Facility will endure beyond his working years. Smith took time out of his schedule to engage new staff members and made himself available to mentor those who showed drive and eagerness to learn. Smith embraced change and welcomed new ideas; he openly shared his past accomplishments and failures as an example of how each person can overcome situations and be successful in the end.

There is a popular quote which states, “Great leaders don’t set out to be a leader, they set out to make a difference. It is never about the role-always about the goal.” and Mr. Smith has made an immeasurable difference within IDOC. Brian Smith, thank you for your dedication and service to ISF.

**Warden Brian Smith trying out his new retirement chair.

**Sentimental moment for Brian Smith during last radio call.

**Pictured left to right: Warden Brian Smith with Deputy Commissioner of Operations, James Basinger.

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