Officials with the Iowa Department of Corrections have confirmed the resignation of Mark Foreman as warden of the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison, ending days of speculation within the community and on social media.
According to an email from Iowa DOC Chief of Staff Paul Cornelius, Foreman’s resignation took effect Friday. The department has named Michelle Waddle as Interim Warden until further notice. Cornelius said the agency’s priority remains “maintaining safe and secure operations at the Iowa State Penitentiary.”
Rumors circulating online and locally have claimed Foreman was placed on administrative leave nine days before stepping down and was escorted from the facility. Those reports have not been confirmed.
Foreman was appointed warden in May of last year and formally assumed the role in June. He took the leadership post amid ongoing challenges at the prison, including staff shortages and a rise in inmate assaults on employees. Last month, two staff members were injured in near-fatal attacks.
