Dover, DE – Terra Taylor, Commissioner of the Department of Correction, has announced the appointment of Heidi Collier as the new statewide Director of Delaware Probation and Parole. Collier previously served as the Deputy Bureau Chief of Community Corrections.

“Heidi brings exceptional knowledge in correctional practices, complemented by her extensive experience, making her an essential part of our statewide leadership team,” stated Commissioner Taylor. “She has played a key role in deploying modern, evidence-based assessment tools, developing staff training initiatives, and implementing supervision strategies. I am confident that under her direction, Delaware Probation and Parole will continue to adopt innovative ideas alongside proven strategies to enhance public safety, strengthen collaborations with governmental and community partners, and foster successful reentry programs.”

With over 20 years of experience in corrections and law enforcement, Director Collier began her career by completing Correctional Officer training in 2003 and working at multiple security posts at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center. By 2008, she had completed the Basic Officer Training Course and was designated as a Probation Officer in the Domestic Violence Unit at the Hares Corner regional probation office. In 2011, she advanced to Senior Probation Officer and became the reentry coordinator for Kent County, where she spearheaded the development and implementation of procedures for guiding reentry services and referrals in partnership with state and nonprofit organizations. In 2017, she rose to Probation and Parole Supervisor, overseeing intake, reentry, interstate compact, and institutional release throughout Kent County. In 2018, Collier was appointed the Department’s statewide Director of Classification and Special Programs, collaborating with leadership at DOC facilities, courts, and program providers to evaluate offender risks, make classification recommendations, and manage offender transitions between levels of supervision. By October 2021, she had advanced to the Deputy Chief of the Bureau of Community Corrections, overseeing various supervision programs, including probation, parole, pretrial services, and electronic monitoring for over 10,000 individuals statewide.

Collier has been serving as acting statewide Director of Probation and Parole following the recent departure of Director Melissa Kearney who retired after 30 years of distinguished service to the Department of Correction.

Collier has completed numerous specialized training courses, including the FBI LEEDA Executive Leadership Institute and Supervisor Leadership Institute, and is a 2020 graduate of the Delaware State Police Civilian Leadership Development Program.  In April 2021 she was named DOC Employee of the Year for her leadership in returning to Delaware 300 inmates who were temporarily housed in Pennsylvania. Collier led that mission which was made more challenging by COVID pandemic by facilitating constant communication between the states, collaborating with Wardens and DOC healthcare staff, completing hundreds of classification reviews, and ensuring that complex transportation arrangements were developed and carried out.  She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and Master of Science Degree in Public Administration from Wilmington University and a Project Management Professional Certificate from the University of Delaware.