Citing her years of experience working in the Ocean County Department of Corrections, the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders on Dec. 3 appointed Sandra Mueller to the Department of Corrections’ top post.

“Sandra has been an outstanding employee of Ocean County for more than three decades,” said Freeholder John P. Kelly, Director of Law and Public Safety. “I am 100 percent confident in her abilities to lead this department.”

Mueller will replace long-time Ocean County Jail Warden Theodore Hutler who is retiring from the post. Hutler has served in the position since 1985 and has been with the county since 1978.

“Ted has had a long and distinguished career here,” Kelly said. “We wish him well in his retirement.”

Mueller, the first female to hold the position of Warden in Ocean County, started her career with the county as a penal counselor in 1983. Working her way through the ranks, which included four promotions recommended by the current warden, Mueller has worked as the department’s Chief of Administrative Services since 1999, serving as second in command in the administration, management and operations of the Ocean County Department of Corrections.

“This post along with others she has held in the department, has prepared Sandra to become our new Warden,” Kelly said. Mueller’s appointment is effective Jan. 1.

“She has overseen budget preparations and is responsible for the development and implementation of departmental policies and procedures,” Kelly said.

Mueller, of StaffordTownship, also was part of the Department’s executive management team that oversaw the expansion of the Ocean County Jail, which was completed in October 2011.

The 140,000 square feet expansion included, in addition to new cells, new medical, intake/release and associated vehicular sallyport; video visitation at the main entrance, staff support areas and a new main control area and other advanced security features.

“The jail design incorporated operation concepts to increase security and operational efficiency,” Kelly said. “It was important that the expansion be designed right because it serves as a focal point for public safety here in OceanCounty.

“Sandra directly assisted the warden in the protection, custody and discipline of inmates and the safety of the facility,” Kelly said.

As Director of Social Rehabilitative Services from 1997 to 1999, Mueller was responsible for the administration, management and planning of a variety of support functions essential to the primary functions and objectives of the Department of Corrections.

Mueller holds a Masters in Administrative Sciences from Fairleigh Dickinson University, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Richard Stockton College, and is a certified public manager and certified jail manager.

“When you add up all her years of experience in the department, her educational background, her affiliations, there is no doubt that Sandra is the best person for the job,” Kelly said. “This is far from an easy position. There are many challenges that come with overseeing a jail and it can be difficult at times, but she brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to the position.”

Following the unanimous vote from the Board of Freeholders approving the appointment, Mueller thanked the Board for its support.

“I look forward to working closely with the board and to serving the citizens of OceanCounty in this capacity,” Mueller said.

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