Oak Park Heights Prison Warden to Retire Sept. 1

After 35 years of service to the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC), Jessica Symmes will be retiring Sept. 1 as warden from the Minnesota Correctional Facility (MCF)–Oak Park Heights.

Warden Symmes is a St. Croix Valley native, who grew up in Stillwater and graduated from , and later, Metropolitan State University.

Her career with the DOC has kept her close to home. Symmes started her career in a support position at the Stillwater prison facility in 1975 and later was hired as a corrections officer at Oak Park Heights where she rose through the ranks to watch lieutenant.

During her career, Symmes has worked in many different areas of Oak Park Heights prison, as well as at Stillwater prison, where at one time her father was a sergeant. 

In 1993, Symmes began her management career at the Oak Park Heights prison as assistant to the warden. She also served as a cell hall director and associate warden of administration.

“It has been an honor to serve the department at these two facilities,” she said. “It has not only been a pleasure and honor to serve the Department of Corrections, but the citizens of Stillwater and Oak Park Heights, my home town.”

During her time as warden, Symmes served as vice president of the West Central Wardens and Superintendents Association, a professional group dedicated to the advancement of sound correctional practice and principles.

“Jessica’s service to the Department of Corrections has been an outstanding asset,” DOC Commissioner Tom Roy said. “I wish her the best of luck in her retirement.”

Kent Grandlienard will take over as the new warden of the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Oak Park Heights when Symmes retires.