"Joe Picklesimer has been a team player," Correction Secretary Mack Jarvis said. "I have known Joe for most of his career and know him to be a solid, knowledgeable, level-headed administrator. He will do an excellent job at Piedmont Correctional Institution."

Picklesimer went to Holbrook High School in Gaston County. He spent four years in the Navy and in 1974, received an associates degree from Gaston College. He has been president of the Lincolnton Kiwanis Club twice. He and his wife, Edith, have three children and six grandchildren.