Kelly Strong is the first woman to serve as senior warden of the Huntsville Unit, ending a 175-year history in which men led Texas’ oldest prison.

ABC13 Houston reported that Strong assumed the position in 2023. She joined the Texas Department of Criminal Justice 34 years ago as a clinical social worker and later advanced through several leadership positions, including assistant warden.

The Huntsville Unit, commonly called “The Walls,” houses approximately 1,000 men and is also the location of Texas’ execution chamber. Strong told ABC13 that she approaches that responsibility with professionalism, humility and consideration for everyone involved.

Strong credited earlier women leaders within TDCJ and the employees who work with her. She said she wants to be recognized as an effective warden rather than only for being the first woman to hold the position.

For incarcerated people and their families, senior unit leadership can influence institutional operations, staff culture, communication and the handling of safety concerns.

Source: ABC13 Houston — First woman leads Texas’ oldest prison, making history at Huntsville Unit