Mike Haddon, MPA

Mike Haddon, MPA

Deputy Director

Mike Haddon earned his Masters in Public Administration from the University of Utah in 1993. Over three decades, he dedicated his career to serving the State of Utah, specializing in criminal and juvenile justice. From 1992 to 2007, he excelled as the Director of Research and Data at the Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice (CCJJ). In 2007, he assumed the role of Deputy Executive Director at the Utah Department of Corrections, later ascending to Executive Director in June 2018, appointed by Governor Gary Herbert. His tenure culminated in his appointment as the Director of Administrative Services for the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole until his retirement in December 2022.

During his time at CCJJ, Haddon's expertise garnered significant recognition, including the prestigious Phillip Hoke National Award for Excellence in Analysis for seven distinct research reports. Additionally, he was honored with the G. Paul Sylvestre Award from the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, in acknowledgment of his outstanding contributions to advancing criminal justice statistics at the state level.

While leading initiatives at the Department of Corrections, Haddon championed the implementation of evidence-based programs and services tailored to individual needs, with a strong focus on validated assessments to gauge risk and needs accurately. One notable initiative he spearheaded was the adoption of ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) assessments, recognizing the profound impact of trauma on individuals and their journey through the justice system. This marked a pivotal moment where Haddon began advocating for trauma-informed care across diverse settings, shedding light on the often-overlooked issue of trauma within various institutional contexts.