The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice has named James W. Speight of Wilmington as Director of Juvenile Facilities Operations. Speight most recently served as director of the New Hanover Juvenile Detention Center in Castle Hayne.
In his new role, Speight is responsible for the management and operational supervision of four youth development centers, six state-operated detention centers, transportation and administrative services, along with monitoring of standards for two county-operated detention centers. These facilities provide for the secure treatment and safe welfare of adjudicated and detained youth across the state.
“Jim brings with him to this position knowledge and close to 25 years’ worth of experience in working with the juvenile population,” said William Lassiter, deputy commissioner for Juvenile Justice. “But he also brings a passion for helping some of our state’s most vulnerable youth, with the public’s safety in mind.”
Speight has worked as director of New Hanover Regional Juvenile Detention Center for a total of 21 years. In addition, he served as statewide Manager of Detention Services from September 2010 until July 2013. Prior to his service with Juvenile Justice, Speight worked for seven years with the Department of Correction, spending much of that time as a probation officer.
Speight, a Kinston native who lives in Wilmington, earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice/sociology from UNC-Wilmington.
###