Jeanne Woodford, former warden of famed San Quentin prison, was named Thursday as director of California's Department of Corrections.

"I am confident that Jeanne's extensive background in corrections and her proven ability to lead will be instrumental in bringing about the necessary changes in California's prison system," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said in announcing the appointment.

"She shares my priorities of public safety and accountability and is a tremendous asset to my administration," he said.

Woodward first joined the San Quentin staff as a correctional officer in 1978 and was named warden in 1999.

The Department of Corrections operates 33 state prisons, 38 conservation camps and oversees 16 community correctional facilities and five prisoner mother facilities throughout the state.