Missouri – Missouri’s corrections system is preparing for a leadership change, but the next person in charge will not be new to the department or its biggest challenges.
Governor Mike Kehoe announced that Valarie Moseley will become director of the Missouri Department of Corrections on October 1, 2026, bringing years of experience inside the agency to its top position. Her appointment will take effect when current Director Trevor Foley leaves to become state budget director and will be subject to Missouri Senate confirmation.
“We are proud to welcome Valarie to our Cabinet and appreciate her willingness to serve in this critical leadership role,” said Governor Kehoe.
“Valarie’s years of experience and proven leadership at DOC position her to continue the department’s nationally recognized work in improving lives for safer communities.”
Moseley has served as deputy director of the department since December 2023. In that position, she has worked across several major areas, including strategic planning, operational efficiency, crisis prevention and management, stakeholder engagement, and the development and implementation of department policies and procedures.
Her experience at DOC reaches further back.
Before becoming deputy director, Moseley led the Division of Offender Rehabilitative Services. During her tenure, she and her team launched Reentry 2030, making Missouri the first state in the country to join the national initiative.
Read also: Kansas City committee unanimously backs Royals stadium and Hallmark headquarters agreements
She also previously served as assistant division director for employee health and safety within the Division of Human Services. There, Moseley developed the Prevent-Respond-Support model for employee care and trauma response and played a major role in the department’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am humbled by the Governor’s trust in me to continue my service to the department in this role,” said Moseley.
She said her priorities will include supporting the DOC workforce, strengthening engagement with outside stakeholders and continuing efforts to reduce risk and recidivism while improving community safety. Moseley also thanked Foley for his leadership and said she hopes to build on the work of previous department leaders.
Read also: Kansas City expands curbside recycling to accept paper and plastic drink cups
Outside state government, Moseley has held executive leadership positions in the not-for-profit sector and has experience in organizational transformation.
She earned both a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s degree in business administration from William Woods University.
If confirmed, Moseley will move from helping manage the department’s operations to leading the agency as Missouri enters its next chapter in corrections policy, workforce support and rehabilitation efforts.
