Yvonne Briley-Wilson was appointed by Gov. Wes Moore Friday to serve as acting correctional ombudsman leading the new Office of Correctional Ombudsman, according to a news release.
Briley-Wilson, an attorney and executive director, will be nominated during the next state legislative session, which begins in January 2025, for Senate confirmation.
“Our entire administration is confident in her ability to create a safer and more transparent correctional system,” Moore said in the news release. “Yvonne will work to forge stronger partnerships, drive positive change and position Maryland to be a national leader in public safety and criminal justice.”
As acting ombudsman, Briley-Wilson is tasked with establishing practices and procedures “to help minimize risks to the health, safety, and welfare of incarcerated individuals,” according to the release. The ombudsman will also advise incarcerated individuals, families and others about the rights of those incarcerated.
During the 2024 state legislative session, Moore signed a bill into law establishing the office, which is meant to serve as an independent oversight body. It will ensure the integrity of Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and Maryland Department of Juvenile Services operations by conducting investigations and reviews, the release said.