On July 16, Marion County Sheriff Joe Kast hosted the summer swearing in
ceremony for new Sheriff’s Office employees. During today’s ceremony, 14
employees were sworn in as deputy sheriffs and four more were recognized as they
joined the Sheriff’s Office in non-sworn roles. Community Corrections Commander
Jeff Wood was promoted and sworn in as Undersheriff.
Undersheriff Wood began his career in 1994 as a Corrections Specialist with
the Marion County Department of Corrections and has over 25 years of experience
in the juvenile and adult correctional fields. Appointed by the Marion County
Sheriff as a division commander in March 2009, Wood holds a Bachelor of Science
degree in Psychology from the University of Oregon and has earned his Executive
Certification from the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and
Training.
During his tenure with the Sheriff’s Office, Undersheriff Wood has received
extensive training in evidence-based practices and has implemented a number of
programs within the Community Corrections Division. Undersheriff Wood has
regularly provided legislative testimony on issues pertaining to sex offender
supervision, registration, electronic monitoring, transition and reentry, and
community corrections funding. Wood just completed a two-year term as President
of the Oregon Community Corrections Director’s Association,
currently serves as Chair of the Marion County Justice Reinvestment Council,
sits on the Governor’s Reentry Council, and Oregon’s Corrections Forecast
Committee.
Sheriff Kast thanked the family and friends who were in attendance to support
their loved ones, stating “This job is challenging and rewarding. However, this
can’t be done without the love and support shown by the family and friends
behind each of these new members of our office.”