Robert Smith is the new warden at the Madison County Correctional Institution. Originally, Smith is from Jasper, Fl. He graduated from Hamilton County in 1986 and came to Madison to attend college at North Florida Community College. In Dec. of 1988, the start of Smith's career began in Hamilton County Correctional Institution, where he served as a correctional officer. He has also worked at several other institutions, including the Franklin County Correctional Institution, Suwannee County Correctional Institution, Florida State Prison and many other places. Smith is grateful to all of his success in his career, as he rose through many ranks to get where he is today. Smith went through several ranks over the course of 10 years, including correctional officer, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, major, colonel and assistant warden. He was inspired by his father, who was a police officer in Hamilton County. Smith had a vision of one day being a warden, and now he has achieved his goal. He officially began working as warden at the Madison County Correctional Institution on Oct. 2 of this year. “Being a warden makes me feel great about myself,” said Smith. “My dad would be very proud if he was still living to know that I started out as a correctional officer and rose through the ranks.” As warden, Smith has many different duties. He visits all areas of the facility regularly to ensure the staff and inmates are safe, manages the budget of the facility by monitoring expenses, maintains the population of inmates in order to protect the public and provides inmates with the appropriate adjustments for transfers. Smith is very passionate and committed about what he does. “I enjoy working as a warden because it gives me the opportunity to come in early, stay late and meet and talk with the staff,” said Smith. “The staff's appreciation is encouraging and motivates me. I also enjoy my conversations with the inmates.” Smith adds that he loves his impact on the facility and enjoys working with such a great staff. “[It makes me] feel welcome, knowing [I] come to work with wonderful people,” said Smith. When he isn't working, Smith states that he is just enjoying life. He enjoys traveling, especially to sports-related events. He also loves spending time with his family and friends. “If you don't have family, you don't have much,” said Smith. Smith is also a very active member of the community, as he serves as steward for New Bethel AME Church and is a member of the Messiah organization. Smith has been married to his wife, Janis, for 22 years, and together they have three children: Bryce, age 27; Janai, age 21 and Brandon, age 16. Smith also has a brother named Shaun Smith who resides in Madison.
