Oklahoma Corrections Board names Joe Allbaugh director

SAYRE, Okla. (AP) – The Oklahoma Board of Corrections has named interim Director Joe Allbaugh to permanently lead the agency.

The board voted unanimously Thursday to name Allbaugh director. Allbaugh's salary will be $185,000 a year.

Allbaugh has been serving as the agency's interim director since January. Board Chairman Kevin Gross says Allbaugh's appointment as director comes at a time when the agency needs strong leadership and someone willing to make bold decisions to solve issues it faces.

Allbaugh became eligible to become director when Gov. Mary Fallin signed legislation last month that removes requirements that candidates for corrections director have experience in the corrections field and a master's degree.

Allbaugh formerly headed the Federal Emergency Management Agency. His predecessor, Robert Patton, quit amid a probe after three flawed execution attempts under his watch.