LEXINGTON, Ky. — Lexington named its new director of community corrections, a position left vacant after the retirement of Steve Haney. Mayor Linda Gorton tapped Major Lisa Farmer for the position, the first woman to lead Lexington's Detention Center.

“Lisa has an outstanding record, with a broad range of experience. She is well prepared to lead our detention center,” Gorton said. “Corrections is an essential part of our community’s public safety. Our corrections officers do an outstanding job, and Lisa will strengthen that tradition of professionalism.”

Farmer is no stranger to Lexington's Detention Center— She began working there in 2001. In addition to being the first woman to lead the facility, she's also the first woman and third person in Kentucky to earn a Certified Jail Manager Certificate.

“I want to thank Mayor Gorton and Commissioner Ken Armstrong for their confidence in my ability to be Director of Community Corrections,” Farmer said. “I look forward to the next step of my career within Community Corrections.  I’m very excited for the future for Community Corrections, and the challenges that come with the position.” 

Farmer began as an officer before working her way up to the major in charge of operations, and now, director.

“Lisa is a well-respected long term member of the Community Corrections Team, who has both the historical and operational knowledge needed to continue to make our facility one of the best in the state," said Public Safety Commissioner Ken Armstrong. "Her style of leadership and her progressive thought process will be critical to the detention center staff, as they address both longstanding concerns, and new challenges.”

Farmer was raised in Somerset, although she's a Cincinnati native. She has a bachelor's degree in corrections and juvenile services in addition to a master's degree in criminal justice from Eastern Kentucky University.

The city said it received 26 applications for the position from across the county.

Farmer assumes the position as interim director immediately. Pending Council approval, her final appointment will be effective Nov. 23.