MS SC551

Recognizes Christopher B. Epps as the longest-serving Mississippi Department of Corrections Commissioner in state history and recipient of the 2011 Michael Francke Award for outstanding Director of Corrections.

Epps was appointed Commissioner on August 30, 2002, by Governor Ronnie Musgrove and reappointed in 2004 by Governor Haley Barbour and on January 12, 2012, by Governor Phil Bryant, with 10 years of service at the time of resolution.

Epps began his corrections career in 1982 as a Correctional Officer at Mississippi State Penitentiary and held multiple leadership positions including Chief of Staff, Deputy Commissioner, and Director of various departments within MDOC.

Served in the Mississippi Army National Guard since 1984, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and held leadership roles in the Association of State Correctional Administrators, American Correctional Association, and Southern States Correctional Association.

Resolution to be presented to Commissioner Epps and his family on February 25, 2012, at Hanging Moss Church of Christ during its Black History Program, with copies forwarded to the Governor and Association of State Correctional Administrators.