Iowa names Michelle Waddle warden of women’s prison at Mitchellville

Iowa has named Michelle Waddle, deputy warden at the Anamosa State Penitentiary, to become warden of the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women in Mitchellville.

Waddle, who starts in her new role June 10, succeeds Sheryl Dahm, who became Mitchellville warden in 2017, and is retiring.

"Michelle is such an incredible leader within our correctional system,“ Iowa Department of Corrections Director Beth Skinner said in a statement. ”Her years of experience and dedication to this department's mission will serve ICIW well for years to come. I have nothing but confidence in her abilities and I look forward to her time leading our outstanding team members at ICIW."

Waddle began her Iowa corrections career at the Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility in 1998. She has served in numerous roles during her tenure, including treatment services director at the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison; associate warden of treatment at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center in Coralville; and most recently as deputy warden of the Anamosa State Penitentiary.

The Corrections Department did not immediately provide Waddle’s salary. The range for warden salaries in Iowa is from $77,168 to $155,646.

The Iowa Correctional Institution for Women is a minimum/medium security prison with capacity for 654 women. On Monday, it was over capacity with 661 women, the Corrections Department reported.

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