Has been acting commissioner since April
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 21, 2014) — Bob Hayter today was named commissioner for the Department of Juvenile Justice, a position he has held in an acting capacity since April. His appointment was effective Nov. 1.
“Bob has the leadership experience and skill set necessary to continue leading this department,” said J. Michael Brown, Justice and Public Safety Secretary. “I appreciate his willingness to maintain the momentum we have gained during the juvenile justice reform,” Secretary Brown said.
Hayter joined DJJ as a regional director in 2006, responsible for the operation of several residential juvenile facilities across the state. He was promoted last year to deputy commissioner of support operations, overseeing the department’s administrative, medical, program services and professional development divisions.
In addition, he has extensive background in leadership roles with the Kentucky National Guard, including chief operations officer of Kentucky’s Military Emergency Operations Center (EOC) immediately after 9/11; liaison officer to multinational forces for the U.S. Army’s 35th Infantry Division in Bosnia and Herzegovina; and was the officer in charge of the planning, training, development and operation of the Commonwealth’s Joint Operations Center.
Hayter had two combat tours in Afghanistan, the first in 2005-06 with the 53rd Infantry Brigade as an embedded trainer, where his unit was awarded the “Army Superior Unit Award” for outstanding meritorious performance by a unit in a difficult and challenging mission. He served a second tour in 2012-13 under the 3rd and 4th Infantry Divisions, as the Commander of the Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team. Among several awards, his unit was presented the Governor’s “Outstanding Unit Citation” for meritorious unit performance during Operation Enduring Freedom in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, by Gov. Steve Beshear.
He has received numerous other awards for his duties, including three Bronze Star Medals; the Meritorious Service Medal; and the Joint Service Commendation Medal, among others.
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