RALEIGH, N.C. — The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice has named Denise Jackson, 55, as the first female warden in the history of Central Prison.

According to the Department of Public Safety, Jackson will be responsible for all operations at Central Prison, which is a male high-security, close-custody facility in Raleigh that has been in continuous service since 1884.

Jackson has been the warden at the Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women in Black Mountain since 2016.

The department says her top priorities will be to hire and retain high-quality staff while emphasizing programs for offenders and enhancing security as necessary at the prison.

“Warden Jackson is a remarkable leader with significant experience in close custody prisons,” Commissioner of Prisons Todd Ishee said. “She is security-minded and shows a genuine devotion to the safety of the staff and the well-being of the men and women in her care. Central Prison is in good hands with this historic appointment. She is outstanding.”

Jackson will begin her new post on March 16.