In a decisive move to shape the future of criminal justice in Texas, the Texas Board of Criminal Justice (TBCJ) has appointed Bobby Lumpkin as the new Executive Director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). The announcement came during the board’s scheduled meeting on Tuesday, August 19, with Lumpkin set to officially assume the role on September 1, 2025.

This appointment follows a nationwide search for a visionary leader capable of advancing the agency’s mission: enhancing public safety while transforming lives through rehabilitation and reentry.

A Career Built on Service and Leadership

Lumpkin’s journey with TDCJ began in 1990 as a Correctional Officer. Over the past 35 years, he has risen through the ranks, serving in pivotal roles across the agency. His leadership resume includes titles such as Assistant Warden, Agency Accreditation Manager, Deputy Director of the Private Facility Contract Monitoring/Oversight Division, and Director of both the Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Logistics Division and the Correctional Institutions Division—where he oversaw operations at more than 100 facilities statewide.

Most recently, Lumpkin served as Chief of Operations, bringing strategic oversight and operational excellence to the forefront of agency initiatives.

Education and National Recognition

Lumpkin holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Management and Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, both from Sam Houston State University. His commitment to professional development is matched by his national influence: he has held leadership roles with the American Correctional Association, the National Correctional Industries Association, and remains actively involved with the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation and the American Probation and Parole Association.

At the state level, Lumpkin is the Immediate Past President of the Texas Corrections Association and a member of the Texas Public Employees Association.

A Vision Rooted in Integrity and Purpose

“It is a sacred privilege to work alongside 32,000 dedicated men and women, to serve those incarcerated and under supervision, to support victims of crime, and to safeguard the people of Texas,” Lumpkin said. “Much has been accomplished, yet much remains before us. With deep humility and steadfast faith, I pledge to lead with integrity, to honor the values of this agency, and to ensure we continue moving forward—strengthening public safety, expanding rehabilitation and reentry, and positioning TDCJ as a national model of criminal justice excellence.”

TBCJ Chairman Eric Nichols praised Lumpkin’s appointment, stating, “The Texas Board of Criminal Justice has the highest level of appreciation and respect for everything that Mr. Lumpkin has already accomplished during his service to the State of Texas with TDCJ, and looks forward to the continuous improvement of agency operations under his leadership.”

Looking Ahead

As Executive Director, Lumpkin will oversee the daily operations of one of the largest criminal justice agencies in the nation—managing Texas’s adult prison system, parole supervision, and probation oversight.

He succeeds Bryan Collier, who served as Executive Director since August 2016, leaving behind a legacy of reform and resilience.