Press Release  Lydia Todd Is Named New First Deputy Commissioner

Massachusetts — Massachusetts Probation Commissioner Edward J. Dolan has appointed Lydia M. Todd the new First Deputy Commissioner of the Massachusetts Probation Service. Todd, who will be responsible for day to day operations as well as oversight of administrative services, is scheduled to start her new position on Monday, June 6th.

As a member of Probation’s senior leadership team, Todd will be responsible for setting the framework, programmatic goals, and guidelines of Probation programs, including those related to all Specialty Courts and the Electronic Monitoring Program. The former executive director for NFI Massachusetts, Inc., will also provide strategic planning and policy development for Probation programs.

“I am thrilled to be called to serve the Massachusetts Probation Service and Trial Court staff. I look forward to supporting their work in providing the best possible services to the Commonwealth’s citizens: the public, Probation and partner professionals, and probationers alike,” Todd said.

Todd has extensive senior management and leadership experience and is a United States Air Force veteran. Todd has held the positions of Deputy Chief of Institutional Services for the Massachusetts Parole Board, Director of Program Evaluation for Massachusetts Half-Way Houses, Inc., and  Director of Organizational Development for the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services.

“Ms. Todd is a proven professional with the requisite knowledge, experience, leadership, and administrative skills to help shape and support the dual mission of the Service which is to maintain the safety of our communities while guiding those individuals in our care and custody toward a better path in life,” Commissioner Dolan said.

Todd earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Psychology from Park College, a master’s degree in Applied Sociology from the University of Massachusetts-Boston and a master’s degree in Philosophy from Yale University. Todd is an instructor in the UMASS-Boston Sociology and Criminal Justice Departments.

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