Former Inmate Is Now Deputy Director Of BOP
- thatbopguy
- Jun 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 15
For families like ours, it’s rare to see someone who truly understands this system take the wheel. But something big just happened.
John Smith, a man who once served time in federal prison, has been appointed Deputy Director of the Bureau of Prisons — the second-highest position in the entire federal prison system.
If that sentence stopped you in your tracks, you’re not alone. Because no matter how you feel about politics, this moment is historic.
ℹ️ Read: Federal Prison 101 - A Simple Guide
Who Is John Smith
When you Google the name "John Smith BOP" these are the results you will see. Many past inmates, but only one photo of the man poised to take control of the direction of the Bureau Of Prisons. He came out of nowhere, literally. Let's learn more about the man who had the power to change the lives of all Federal inmates.
John Smith isn’t just a token appointment or PR move. Hes not just another politician. He’s a man who lived through the same broken system we deal with every day. A man who knows what it means to be locked up, who understands federal prison terminology, what it's like to miss birthdays, and to try to rebuild a life post-release.
He was pardoned by President Trump, during Trumps last days in office in his 1st term. He went on to build a multi-million dollar company he eventually sold to start "Second Chance" non-profit. Now he’s stepping into a position that directly shapes BOP policy, operations, and culture.
Why His Appointment Matters
He knows the system from both sides. He’s proof that redemption is real, giving hope to many of us who sometimes may doubt the possibility of redeeming ourselves. He could bring lived experience into decisions that affect our loved ones daily.
Back when he was in a Federal facility i am sure things were different, but there still would be room for improvement even back then!
In a system where most leadership has never served time, this shift sends a powerful message: maybe it’s time to listen to people who’ve actually been through it.
For families navigating this system, finding meaningful change can feel impossible — which is why having someone like Smith in power matters. His work could impact everything from prison programs and quality of facilities to reentry pathways such as Home Confinement Expansion.
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What Could This Mean for Families?
Let’s be clear, one man can’t fix the whole system overnight. But here’s why this appointment gives many of us hope:
✅ Real empathy at the top: Families dealing with lockdowns, terrible conditions. poor medical care, or lack of communication may finally have an advocate who understands.
✅ Reentry Reform: Knox has spent years working on second-chance programs — work that ties closely to the benefits of support groups for families.
✅ More second chances: His presence alone shows that people with records still matter.
Why We Should Still Stay Alert
Knowledge is power. When you have all the information your better positioned to make informed choices faster that are best for you and your loved one. Plus, the federal prison system is still dealing with major issues: staffing shortages, poor conditions, and dangerous facility incidents like those at USP Beaumont.
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Keep Showing Up, Keep Speaking Out
Whether or not Smith changes the system, one thing is clear: we’re not invisible anymore.
You may not have a seat at the table — but people like him bring our stories into the room. So keep asking questions. Keep pushing for your loved one. And keep reminding the system: we are watching.
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YOUR NOT THE ONLY PRISON GOING THROUGH THIS TOUGH TIME...
We first heard about this story from Walter Pavlo a writer from Forbes.
