CHEYENNE, WY - Wyoming Department of Corrections Director Bob Lampert, announced that Martha Buchanan, current Chief of Operations for the Division of Prisons, will be the associate warden for the Wyoming Medium Correctional Institution in Torrington, and Scott Abbott, current warden at the Wyoming State Penitentiary (WSP), will be new chief of operations for the Division of Prisons.

Buchanan has been a WYDOC employee since October 1990, when she began work at the Wyoming Honor Conservation Camp/Boot Camp in Newcastle.  She started as a clerical secretary, then moved up to fiscal processing specialist, executive assistant to the warden, and finally a security lieutenant.  She moved to Cheyenne to become chief of operations in April 2004.

"Martha's breadth of experience in the many aspects of facility operations, including support services and security, have proven very beneficial to her in her most recent position as chief of operations," said Lampert.  "I know that she is well prepared for her new role as Associate Warden."  

Abbott began his career as a CO at the WSP's North Facility in July 1989. He then worked his way up through the ranks as corporal, sergeant and lieutenant.  He was named associate warden on July 12, 2000 and managed the North Facility's East Compound. 

"I want to personally thank Scott for his hard work and dedication in leading WSP forward during a difficult period of transition in the agency," Lampert said. 

"However, Scott is the first to acknowledge that 'staff deserve any credit due,' although he also played a very essential part."

Both positions become effective July 1, 2006.