by Staff Report CTNewsJunkie
HARTFORD, CT — Deputy Commissioner Sharonda Carlos has been named the interim commissioner of the state Department of Correction, effective May 1 following the pending retirement of Commissioner Angel Quiros.
Carlos has worked at the department for two decades, including in roles as a substance abuse counselor, counselor supervisor, deputy warden, warden, and district administrator. In December 2020, she was appointed as the agency’s deputy commissioner of administration in a role that required her to oversee its administrative functions and operations within the state’s correctional facilities, according to a statement from Gov. Ned Lamont’s office. In recent years, she has stepped in several times to serve as acting commissioner when it has been needed.
“Deputy Commissioner Carlos has a strong record of direct, hands-on service working within Connecticut’s correctional facilities, Lamont said. “She has the experience and knowledge that will enable her to hit the ground running in this critical public safety position, and I thank her for accepting this opportunity.”
Carlos said her commitment to staff training and development would guide the department’s efforts to enhance progressive correctional practices.
“Creating a culture that provides accountability and transparency both internally and externally will make it possible for the Connecticut DOC to be a leader in the field of corrections,” she said. “I look forward to continued collaboration with our community stakeholders and partners as we strive to enhance reentry efforts and reduce recidivism.”
Prior to joining the Connecticut Department of Correction, Carlos worked as a substance abuse counselor for the Southeastern Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency in Lebanon, Connecticut.
She holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of New Haven, Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences, and a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies from Mitchell College. Additionally, she received certification from the Connecticut Department of Public Health as an alcohol and drug counselor. She is a licensed minister within her local church.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Deputy Correction Department Commissioner Sharonda Carlos’ job title was listed incorrectly in the first version of this story.