Meet the Director

In June of 2011, Governor Rick Snyder appointed Daniel H. Heyns the Director of the Michigan Department of Corrections.  As Director, Dan is responsible for directing the administration of Michigan's correctional system which includes the adult prison system, probation and parole supervision, the Parole Board, community corrections and all related administrative functions including a budget of approximately $1.9 billion.  Dan has over 34 years experience in law enforcement.  In addition to serving as the Sheriff of Jackson County for eight years, Dan held command positions in the road patrol, central dispatch and jail divisions. He received advanced training in traffic enforcement, special weapons and tactics, defensive driving, executive protection, police administration and emergency management.

Director Heyns is a 1985 graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan (1973).  He also received a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University (1977).  He has served on the Boards of a number of non-profit organizations including Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Y Center, the Rotary Foundation, Disability Connections and the Affordable Housing Commission.  He has been active in his church and served on the Board of Trustees for the First United Methodist Church of Jackson.  He is also past president of the Noon Rotary Club and a former board member for the Michigan Sheriffs' Association.