Josh Tewalt
Director
Idaho Department of Correction

Josh Tewalt re-joined the Idaho Department of Correction on December 1, 2018, after two years as the Director of Operations for the Association of State Correctional Administrators (ASCA), currently the Correctional Leaders Association (CLA). In that role, he traveled the country promoting the profession of corrections, supporting ASCA/CLA members in the implementation of evidence-based practices, and influenced national policies and practices affecting public safety.

Josh says through his work with ASCA/CLA, he gained an even deeper appreciation for Idaho's correctional professionals, who he says are among the nation's best.

Prior to joining ASCA/CLA, Josh served for four years as Deputy Chief of the Division of Prisons, and two years as Administrator of Budget and Policy. In those roles, he helped secure funding for a pay-progression plan for uniformed corrections staff. He was also responsible for strategic initiatives, including shaping a department reorganization to better position the agency to meet future demands.

As director, Tewalt oversees the entirety of IDOC's operations including its nine prisons, four community re-entry centers, and seven probation and parole districts. The department has an annual budget of $264 million (FY19) and employs nearly 2,000 correctional professionals. They are responsible for the incarceration and community supervision of 25,000 felony offenders.

Josh is an Idaho native, a rancher, and a former Executive Vice President of the Idaho Cattle Association. He served on the staff of two Idaho Governors and a U.S. Congressman.

Josh and his wife, Chanel, own and operate a small livestock operation in Meridian, Idaho. They have two children, a daughter, Rowan, and a son, August.