Waterbury, VT – The Vermont Department of Corrections (DOC) today announced Southern State Correctional Facility (SSCF) Interim Superintendent Michaela Merrill will officially assume the role of SSCF Superintendent effective immediately. The leadership change comes after former SSCF Superintendent Mike Lyon retired in August. Merrill stepped into the role of Interim Superintendent shortly after Lyon’s retirement.
Superintendent Merrill joined the Department in April 2003 as a Corrections Officer. She has since held the role of Corrections Officer II, Interim Assistant Superintendent at Northern State Correctional Facility, Interim Superintendent at Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility, and Assistant Superintendent at SSCF.
Merrill played a critical role in the Prison Research Innovation Network initiative, a partnership with the University of Vermont piloting innovative changes for staff and the incarcerated population, such as the creation of the SSCF “honor unit” and incarcerated individual-led coffee shop. Officials cited her integrity, forward-thinking approach, and proven leadership as key factors in her appointment.
“In her almost eight years at Southern State, Superintendent Merrill consistently acted with conviction, passion, and with the best interests of Vermonters at the forefront of her work,” said Nicholas J. Deml, Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Corrections. “Her demonstrated commitment to the continuous improvement of the Department embodies our mission to lead through innovation and create the corrections system of the future. I look forward to her continued service to Vermont as leader of Southern State Correctional Facility.”