A native of Morganton, Stamey has worked with the Department of Correction since 1971 when he was hired as a correctional officer at Western Youth Institution by the prison’s assistant superintendent, Mack Jarvis, now secretary of Correction. Stamey rose through the ranks as sergeant, lieutenant and captain before becoming the assistant superintendent for custody and operations at Foothills Correctional Institution.

"I have known Tony Stamey these past 26 years and am fully confident in his ability to manage the Foothills prison," Jarvis said. "He is smart, energetic and works well with staff."

Stamey is a graduate of Morganton High School. He served four years in the U.S. Navy in Lemore, California, and attended Western Piedmont Community College.