Commissioner of the Maine Department of Corrections is retiring
Maine’s Corrections Commissioner Randy Liberty to Retire, Gov. Janet Mills Commends His Legacy
Portland, Maine – The Maine Department of Corrections will lose one of its longest‑serving leaders when Randall Liberty steps down as commissioner on Oct. 1. The announcement, released Wednesday by Governor Janet Mills’s office, marks the end of a distinguished career that has spanned law enforcement, military service, and prison administration.
Liberty has been at the helm of the state’s correctional system since 2019, following his nomination by Governor Mills. Prior to his appointment, the former U.S. Army National Guard officer and reserve soldier had built a career in public safety. He served as warden of Maine State Prison, was sheriff of Kennebec County, and spent more than two decades in the armed forces, including 21 years in the Army National Guard and Army reserves.
“The honor of my career has been to serve in this department,” Liberty said in a statement issued by the governor’s office. “I am deeply grateful to every Department employee whose dedication made this work possible, and to Governor Mills for her steadfast trust and support as we’ve worked to redefine what corrections can look like.”
Gov. Mills praised Liberty’s “Maine Model,” a comprehensive approach to corrections that has garnered national attention. According to the release, the model has helped drive Maine’s recidivism rate to one of the lowest in the country, falling 15 % since 2008. The department’s efforts have also produced tangible opportunities for inmates: more than 50 residents have secured remote computer jobs, hundreds have been released to supervised community confinement, and over a thousand have accessed post‑secondary education programs.
“Randy Liberty’s life and career reflect his profound belief that every person deserves the opportunity for redemption,” Mills said. “His dedication to the Maine Model has set a new standard for how we view and manage corrections.”
During his tenure as warden, Liberty also championed rehabilitation for veterans. He established a veterans’ unit that includes an American Legion post and a training program allowing residents to raise service dogs for disabled veterans. The initiative has provided meaningful work and skill development for inmates with military backgrounds.
The governor’s office confirmed that Deputy Commissioner Anthony Cantillo will serve as acting commissioner until a successor is named.
Liberty’s retirement comes as Governor Mills prepares to finish her second and final term in office. The announcement underscores a broader shift toward reforming Maine’s correctional philosophy, a priority that has shaped the state’s approach for the past decade.
Maine residents and officials alike will likely feel the impact of Liberty’s departure, as his leadership and the Maine Model continue to influence policy discussions across the state. For now, the department turns a page on a chapter defined by collaboration, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to the principle that everyone deserves a chance at redemption.
