With the recent announcement that John Diaz will retire as the director of the Department of Adult And Juvenile Detention (DAJD) in June, King County Executive Dow Constantine announced that Allen Nance has been appointed to the role of director, and will take over as of June 25, subject to approval by the King County Council.
Nance was named Division Director of DAJD’s Juvenile Division in November 2019, following a nationwide search, and has been working to realize Constantine’s goal of maintaining community safety while preparing to close King County’s secure youth detention facility by 2025.
“I am humbled by the opportunity to serve King County in this important role leading the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention and want to thank John Diaz for his leadership to the department and his lifelong commitment to public service,” said Nance. “I look forward to the work ahead as we improve conditions of confinement for those in our custody, support the hardworking people of the department, and advance the community safety goals that enhance the quality of life for those who live, visit, or work in our county.”
Nance brings decades of experience in adult, youth, and community corrections settings with a sustained commitment to reform. Immediately before joining King County, he served as the chief juvenile probation officer for the city and county of San Francisco, California. He previously led criminal justice policy efforts for the San Francisco Mayor’s Office and held leadership positions for probation departments in Illinois’ DuPage and Cook counties for many years.
Quanetta West will take over as interim director of DAJD’s Juvenile Division. She is currently the Juvenile Division deputy director.
“I am honored to be chosen for this wonderful opportunity within DAJD,” said West. “I intend to continue my commitment to partner with the staff, community, and stakeholders as we work together to provide the best care and services for youth in support of their families and the communities we serve.”
The Department of Adult & Juvenile Detention employs about 900 staff and spans five divisions: the King County Correctional Facility in Seattle, the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent, the Juvenile Division, Community Corrections Division, and Administrative Services Division.
