Justice and Public Safety Cabinet
Juvenile Justice Commissioner Ron Haws to retire; Hasan Davis named Acting Commissioner of department

FRANKFORT, KY – Justice and Public Safety Secretary J. Michael Brown today announced the retirement of Department of Juvenile Justice Commissioner Ron Haws, effective Dec. 31.

Brown credited Haws, who has served in the top post since February 2008, with leading DJJ through difficult budget times and shifting its focus to treatment over incarceration.

“In the best of circumstances, the mission of our juvenile justice system is carried out in delicate, often wrenching conditions, and with the economic downturn and the challenges that places on families and the Commonwealth, we’ve not had the luxury of operating in the best of circumstances,” Brown said. “Commissioner Haws has skillfully navigated the department through these rough waters, and leaves a solid course of providing rehabilitation to the young people entrusted to our care.”

Prior to his appointment to commissioner, Haws was the Western Kentucky Regional Director for the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), and a former facilities regional administrator with the agency. In addition, he served in several capacities with the Illinois Department of Corrections’ Juvenile Division, including superintendent and district parole supervisor, and holds a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Bradley University.

Secretary Brown also announced that he has named A. Hasan Davis, currently the deputy commissioner in charge of operations for DJJ, as acting commissioner, effective Jan. 1.

Davis founded Empowerment Solutions, which offers training and resources to correctional facilities, community organizations, schools and non-profit groups nationwide in areas relating to youth, race, cultural dynamics and arts education.  He previously served as director of cultural arts outreach for Bluegrass Community and Technical College, and was co-manager for the Rockefeller Foundation’s Next Generation Leadership Program. He is a former director for the National Conference for Communities and Justice’s Camp Anytown, and the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government’s Youth Violence Prevention Project.

A 1992 graduate of Berea College, he also holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Kentucky College of Law.

“Hasan’s diverse background in working with young people and his experience overseeing the operation of the department make him the natural choice to assume this role,” Brown said. “He brings exceptional talent and experience to the critical area of providing prevention programs, treatment and accountability to our troubled youth.”