New_Eastern_Region_Ops

Michael F. Easley Governor		Theodis Beck Secretary
North Carolina Department of Correction

For Release:	Contact: George Dudley
Date: Aug. 5, 2008	Phone: 919 -716-3700

New operations manager for prisons' eastern district GREENVILLE -- John Sapper is the new Eastern Region operations manager for the Division of Prisons, making him responsible for the direct supervision of the Carteret, Duplin and Gates correctional facilities. He had been assistant superintendent at Rowan Correctional Center since 2005. Additionally, Sapper supervises the region's canine handlers and assists Region Director Danny Safrit with the overall operations of the Eastern District, which includes 14 prisons in 11 counties. Beginning his career as a correctional officer in 1989 at the now-closed Yadkin Correctional Center, where he was promoted to sergeant before being transferred to Piedmont Correctional Institution in 1999. He was promoted to lieutenant at Piedmont Correctional in 2000 and then to assistant superintendent at Forsyth Correctional Center in 2003. In addition to a bachelor’s degree in business administration from High Point University, Sapper is also a graduate of the Correctional Leadership Development Program and has attended the National Institute of Corrections’ senior level leadership training course. He also holds several certifications in correctional instruction. Sapper and wife, Kris, have four children -- Sean, Heather, Andrew, and Lukas -- who are active in softball, soccer and basketball. Sapper is active in his church and Masonic lodge, and enjoys playing golf, playing guitar and assembling plastic models. In his new position, Sapper succeeds Darlyn White, who was promoted to administrator at Maury Correctional Institution. # # # A digital copy of the photo is available by calling 919-716-3700.