Baton Rouge, LA– Today, Governor Jeff Landry announced Bobby “Jamie” Lee Jr. will be the Assistant Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Gary Westcott will be the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, and Kenneth “Kenny” Loftin will be the Deputy Secretary for the Office of Juvenile Justice. 

 

“These folks all have the background and experience needed to make positive change and serve Louisiana. I look forward to working with them,” said Governor Landry.  

 

“I am honored Governor Landry has entrusted me to serve as the Assistant Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections. I am honored to continue to serve the citizens of Louisiana in this new role,” said Bobby Lee Jr.

 

“I am honored that Governor Landry has appointed me to the DOC Deputy Secretary position and look forward to this new challenge and making positive changes within the department. It really feels like I am coming back “home” so I am very thankful to Governor Landry,” said Gary Westcott. 

 

“I am honored to be appointed by Governor Jeff Landry as the Deputy Secretary of the Office of Juvenile Justice. I look forward to our work to ensure Louisiana’s juvenile justice system is one that’s effective, fair, and efficient,” said Kenneth Loftin.

 

 

Background:

 

Bobby “Jamie” Lee Jr.--Assistant Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections

Bobby “Jamie” Lee, Jr., a native of Lafayette, LA, currently serves as the Director of Louisiana Probation and Parole/Adult and has thirty-one years as a state employee. He has served in the United States military for thirty-eight years in numerous positions and is currently the commander of the 139th Regional Support Group in the Louisiana National Guard. Jamie earned his Bachelor’s degree from University of Louisiana, Master’s degrees from Louisiana State University and the United States Army War College. Jamie is married to his wife Shelly and is the proud father of four children and five grandchildren.

 

Gary Westcott--Deputy Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections

Gary Westcott is a graduate of St. Martinville High School and the University of Southwestern Louisiana. He served in the La. National Guard – 199th Support Battalion and is a veteran of Operation Desert Storm. Upon return from deployment, Gary worked for the La. Dept. of  Corrections / Division of Probation & Parole for 29 years, where he retired in 2020 as a Regional Administrator. He was then employed by the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office as the Corrections Warden for the past three and one-half years. Also, for the past seven years, Gary has been the Head Volleyball Coach for Catholic High – New Iberia. He currently resides in Loreauville, LA and is married to his wife, Angela, and has two children, Landon and Marlie Rae.

 

Kenneth “Kenny” Loftin--Deputy Secretary for the Office of Juvenile Justice

Kenneth "Kenny" Loftin, a native of Shreveport, Louisiana, has dedicated nearly four decades to serving in the Juvenile Justice System. After graduating with a Bachelor’s in Behavioral Sciences from East Texas Baptist College in Marshall, Texas, in 1981, Kenny embarked on a journey in social work. He began his career as a Case Worker at a Special Needs Facility, where he gained invaluable experience working with vulnerable populations.

In 1985, Kenny transitioned to a pivotal role as a Child Abuse Investigator for the State of Louisiana. His passion for juvenile justice reform led him to play a crucial role in establishing the Ware Youth Center in Coushatta, Louisiana, in 1988.  Additionally, Kenny served as the Director of the Bossier Juvenile Detention Center and the Johnny Gray Jones Youth Shelter. After retiring in 2015, Kenny's dedication to public service remained unwavering. In 2016, he was appointed to the Louisiana State Pardon Board, where he served with distinction for four years, bringing compassion and integrity to the pardoning process. Kenny has been married to his beautiful wife of 40-plus years and has one daughter. 

 

 

 

###

SHARE