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Fort Madison Today
By the People, for the People
Iowa Corrections Department Names New Warden for State Penitentiary
Janie Mendez brings over 20 years of experience to the role at Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison.
Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:38pm
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The appointment of a new warden at Iowa's largest prison facility signals a shift in leadership and an opportunity to reform the state's approach to criminal justice.Fort Madison TodayThe Iowa Department of Corrections has appointed Janie Mendez as the new warden of the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison. Mendez has over 20 years of experience with the department, serving in leadership and frontline roles at multiple facilities, including the Iowa Medical and Classification Center and the Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility. Most recently, she served as Associate Warden of Treatment at IMCC from 2021 to 2026.
Why it matters
The appointment of a new warden at the Iowa State Penitentiary, one of the state's largest and oldest correctional facilities, is an important leadership transition that will shape the facility's operations, policies, and approach to rehabilitation and reentry programs.
The details
Janie Mendez has been named the new warden of the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison. Mendez brings over 20 years of experience with the Iowa Department of Corrections, having served in both leadership and frontline roles at multiple facilities across the state, including the Iowa Medical and Classification Center and the Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility. Most recently, she served as the Associate Warden of Treatment at IMCC from 2021 to 2026.
- Mendez was named the new warden of the Iowa State Penitentiary on April 3, 2026.
- She previously served as the Associate Warden of Treatment at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center from 2021 to 2026.
The players
Janie Mendez
The newly appointed warden of the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison, bringing over 20 years of experience with the Iowa Department of Corrections.
Iowa Department of Corrections
The state agency responsible for overseeing and managing the correctional facilities in Iowa, including the Iowa State Penitentiary.
What they’re saying
“Returning to ISP is a meaningful step in my career. This is a special place.”
— Janie Mendez, New Warden, Iowa State Penitentiary
The takeaway
Janie Mendez's appointment as the new warden of the Iowa State Penitentiary represents an experienced and seasoned leader taking the helm of one of Iowa's most prominent correctional facilities, with the opportunity to shape the facility's approach to rehabilitation, reentry, and community engagement.
