Schell Named Warden at Centre County Correctional Facility

Centre County has named the new warden of the Centre County Correctional Facility.

Christopher A. Schell began his work May 21, and he brings with him an extensive resume in corrections.

Prior to his post as warden in Centre County, Schell worked his way up as a corrections officer in York County, eventually obtaining the rank of captain. There, he also served on the correctional emergency response team and was elected by the county prison administration to serve as the Prison Rape Elimination Act investigator.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in educational studies from Grand Canyon University and graduated from the correctional academy in Elizabethtown in 1992. He is a certified trainer for the state Department of Corrections.

“With over a quarter century of corrections experience, Chris can deliver security for staff and the community, but he appreciates the need for rehabilitation as individuals prepare for re-entry into society after incarceration,” said Michael Pipe, chairman of the county commissioners and the prison board of inspectors, in a news release.

Rick Smith was removed from the post of warden in September 2016. Pipe told Statecollege.com at the time that the prison board gave Smith the option of resigning. Pipe did not comment further on the reasons for the termination.

Denise Elbell, who was acting county administrator at the time, served as interim administrator for the facility. Deputy Warden of Operations Melanie Gordon and Jeffrey Hite, deputy warden and treatment director, also assumed leadership roles.