Jim Rubenstein was named Deputy Secretary effective July 1, 2014. He is also Commissioner of the West Virginia Division of Corrections, having been appointed to that role in June 2001. Rubenstein had earlier served as Acting Commissioner since February 2001. He is tasked with the responsibility to oversee the day to day operations of the Division of Corrections throughout the entire State of West Virginia.
Mr. Rubenstein has a Masters in Leadership Studies from Marshall University and over three decades in the corrections profession. Mr. Rubenstein began his career with Corrections in 1973 as a Correctional Officer at the Forestry Camp for Boys. He also served as a Recreation Coordinator, a Correctional Officer, and a Counselor at the WV Industrial School for Boys. Mr. Rubenstein went on to serve as a Corrections Case Manager and Corrections Unit Manager at Pruntytown Correctional Center. In 1994, he was named Superintendent of Anthony Correctional Center. In late 1998, he was named Deputy Warden of St. Marys Correctional Center and was instrumental in the conversion of that facility from a state hospital to a medium security correctional institution. On June 1, 1999, he was appointed to the position of Deputy Commissioner of Institutional Operations and served in that position until his appointment as Commissioner. His qualifications and skills offer him a unique opportunity to bring insight and experience to the WVDOC. His career in corrections has prepared him with the management abilities, training and development skills, and interpersonal communications expertise necessary to promote programs, technology and training within the WVDOC.
Commissioner Rubenstein is affiliated with the following organizations: Member of the Association of State Correctional Administrators (ASCA), member of the American Correctional Association (ACA), Secretary for the Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority Board, member and former President of the WV Association of Correctional Employees (WV ACE), member of Southern States Correctional Association (SSCA), member of the WV Interstate Compact for Supervision of Adult Offenders, member of Holley Strength Systems, Buckhannon Power Team, United States Power Lifting Federation, Honorary Member of Grafton Rotary Club, and National Association of Strength Athletes.