After months with an interim warden overseeing the Metropolitan Detention Center, Bernalillo County has hired a new warden — from Florida — who will start his new position on June 17.

Steven Kai Smith is currently a warden with the Volusia County Division of Corrections in Daytona Beach, Florida, according to a news release from the county. That facility houses 1,350 inmates, MDC currently has 1,607 inmates.

Smith started his career as a corrections officer at the same facility in 1999 and has studied criminal justice and criminal justice administration.  

“Mr. Smith emerged from a highly competitive selection process that included a meticulous review of applications, rigorous recruiter screenings, and comprehensive 3-part interviews,” said Bernalillo County Manager Julie Morgas Baca in the news release. “This thorough process ensures that we have chosen the best candidate to lead our detention center.”

County spokespersons did not immediately answer questions about how many applicants applied, how many were interviewed or what Smith’s salary will be. 

Rosanne Otero has served in the interim since the previous warden, Jason Jones, resigned while under administrative investigation in December. The county has not disclosed why he was under investigation and denied an Inspection of Public Records Act request from City Desk ABQ seeking those records.  

For his part, Smith said the move to Albuquerque will allow him and his family to explore the west.

“The position offers an opportunity for me to grow professionally while using my experience to support the team at MDC and our goals,” says Mr. Steven Smith. “Having grown up in, and traveling the East Coast, this opportunity allows my family to enjoy the many experiences the West has to offer.”