Alvin W. Keller, Jr. was appointed Secretary for the North Carolina Department of Correction on Jan. 12, 2009, by Governor Beverly Eaves Perdue. 

In this position, Secretary Keller is responsible for one of the largest departments in state government. The Department of Correction employs about 20,000 people. The annual operating budget exceeds $1 billion and the department is responsible for about 40,000 inmates and 125,000 offenders under probation, parole or community supervision.

Keller has more than 30 years of military, judicial and government experience. He served as Assistant Attorney General in the Criminal Division of the North Carolina Department of Justice. Prior to his work as Assistant Attorney General, Keller served eight years as Chief Circuit Military Judge for the Navy-Marine Corps Trial Judiciary. As Chief Circuit Military Judge, Keller presided over 800 criminal trials and in non-jury trials, determined guilt or innocence and handed down sentencing. From 1985-1996 Colonel Keller served as Staff Judge Advocate and Officer-in-Charge. He was responsible for investigating and prosecuting criminal charges.

Keller is married to the former Ella L.Tates, Professor of Sociology at Fayetteville State University. They are the very proud parents of one daughter and one son, Yolanda D. Keller-Bell and Alvin W. Keller, III.

Awards

• Legion of Merit
• Meritorious Service Medal
• National Defense Service Medal
• Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal
• Inducted into Military-Hall of Fame of the National Bar Association, April 2002

 Education

• Bachelor of Arts, History and Political Science – Jackson State University
• Juris Doctorate – Southern University School of Law
• Master of Arts, National Security and Strategic Studies – Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island