Connecticut’s top correctional oversight official is preparing to leave his post earlier than anticipated. DeVaughn Ward, who leads the state’s Office of Correction Ombuds, formally announced on Tuesday that he will step down from his leadership position in mid-October, concluding his tenure roughly three months prior to the official expiration of his term.
Ward is scheduled to officially vacate the ombudsman role on October 16, 2026. Following his departure from state service, he plans to re-enter private legal practice as an attorney with the law firm Morgan & Morgan. Under the original appointment schedule, Ward’s term as ombudsman was slated to conclude at the start of January 2027.
Reflecting on his time guiding the fledgling agency, Ward emphasized that his central objective had been establishing a robust and transparent oversight body. He explained that his primary goal was to construct an independent, credible, and accessible office dedicated to uncovering systemic vulnerabilities within the correctional landscape, giving voice to incarcerated individuals, and formulating constructive remedies for ongoing challenges.
The departing ombudsman expressed strong pride in the progress achieved by his staff throughout his tenure. He noted that the groundwork laid during the office's formative stages has established a sturdy foundation, voicing optimism that the watchdog agency remains well-positioned to expand its reach and continue serving the public interest across Connecticut.
Ward’s tenure as the state’s correctional watchdog began in September 2024, when he initially assumed the position on an interim basis. After guiding the office through its initial months, he secured formal legislative confirmation to serve in a permanent capacity in April 2025, solidifying his role at the helm of the oversight agency.
Building the newly created office required navigating the complex challenges of establishing operational independence and developing clear protocols for monitoring Connecticut's correctional facilities. Ward’s two years of service were defined by efforts to bridge administrative oversight with direct engagement on behalf of the state's incarcerated population.
Explaining the timing of his mid-September announcement, Ward indicated that providing advanced notice was a strategic choice designed to ensure a smooth administrative transition. He stated that stepping down ahead of schedule gives state authorities ample time to identify, screen, and select a qualified successor without creating an extended vacancy in correctional oversight.
Under the statutory framework governing the position, the Correction Advisory Committee is tasked with reviewing applicant credentials, conducting interviews, and executing its mandated responsibilities. Ward noted that this advance notice provides the committee with sufficient runway to complete its duties so that Governor Ned Lamont can finalize an appointment by January 7, 2027.
The transition will also coincide with an updated operational structure for the ombudsman's office. Moving forward, the next individual appointed to the position will serve a full four-year term, a procedural modification that Ward publicly endorsed as a positive evolution for the long-term stability of the agency.
Extending the ombudsman's appointment to a four-year cycle is intended to reinforce the office's institutional independence and ensure consistent leadership over broader reform initiatives. Ward indicated that a multi-year mandate will better equip future ombudsmen to pursue sustained investigations and track the progress of correctional system enhancements.
Despite his impending departure, Ward's responsibilities are not yet finished. He is scheduled to remain fully active in his official duties until October 16, a period that includes presiding over the Office of Correction Ombuds' inaugural public town hall meeting on September 23.
The upcoming town hall represents a key milestone for the oversight body, serving as an open forum to engage directly with community members, families, and stakeholders interested in the state's correctional system. Ward will oversee the event as one of his final major public appearances in the ombudsman capacity.
Governor Ned Lamont commended Ward for his service, recognizing the significant administrative hurdles involved in launching an entirely new state watchdog entity. Lamont noted that establishing the office was no small feat and praised Ward for his dedicated efforts to stand up the department and make it functional.
The governor added that over the past two years, Ward worked tirelessly to advance meaningful reforms that strengthen and improve the broader criminal justice system in Connecticut. Lamont expressed formal gratitude for the ombudsman's contributions to the state and acknowledged the lasting impact of his foundational work.
As the October 16 transition date approaches, the focus now shifts to the Correction Advisory Committee's vetting process. The coming months will determine who takes over the four-year post to lead Connecticut's independent prison oversight efforts into 2027 and beyond.
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