Executive Leadership

Justin Farris began his career with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections in August 1999 as a correctional officer cadet at Mack Alford Correctional Center in Stringtown. 

During his more than 20 years with ODOC, Farris served as an officer, Oklahoma Correctional Industries salesman, OCI sales manager and OCI operational coordinator before being promoted to OCI director.

In 2019, Farris was named chief of Operations, directly overseeing facility operations, community corrections, community sentencing and probation and parole services. He was named chief of Staff in 2022 and director in October 2025.

Kari Hawkins has represented the Oklahoma Department of Corrections for 18 years – four years with ODOC and 14 years with the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office.

Dr. Jenna Thomas was named Chief Administrative Officer of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections in April 2024. Before joining ODOC, Dr. Thomas served as the Chief Operating Officer and chief of Staff at the Oklahoma State Department of Education. She also served as the Senior Director of Statewide Transformation in the office of the State Chief Operating Officer where she worked with the largest Oklahoma state agencies to realize efficiencies across their operations.

Ashlee Clemmons started her career at the Oklahoma Department of Corrections in 2013 as the associate chief financial officer. She was promoted to the director of Business Services in 2013 and was named Chief Financial Officer in April 2020.

Jason Sparks started his career with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections in 2019 with the Office of the Inspector General as a Resident Agent in Charge. He was promoted to deputy inspector general, supervising the Criminal Interdiction unit. He was also the chief administrator of Oklahoma Correctional Industries before being named chief of Operations in 2023.