Shelith Hansbro

Shelith W. Hansbro serves as the Confidential Assistant to the Director, contributing to executive leadership and championing workforce inclusiveness through policy development and strategic initiatives. She formerly led Decatur Correctional Center as Warden (2010–2018), overseeing gender-responsive programming and trauma-informed care for incarcerated women and mothers. From 2018 to 2020, she served as Assistant Warden of Programs at Taylorville Correctional Center, advancing rehabilitative efforts for male offenders.

Hansbro has held key roles within the Illinois Department of Corrections, including Chief of Community Outreach/Constituent Services, where she forged partnerships with families, advocacy groups, and stakeholders, while supervising multiple statewide services. Her corrections career began at Decatur Adult Transition Center and in minority recruitment.

Beyond her professional work, Hansbro is deeply engaged in civic and community leadership. She serves as Commissioner of the Decatur Park Board, Vice Chair of the Decatur Building Commission, and Vice Chair of the Decatur Housing Authority. Her service also includes roles on the Untold Stories Committee, the Decatur Community Partnership, the Earthmover Credit Union Board of Directors, and other leadership positions with various corrections-related boards and committees.

Prior to corrections, Hansbro served as Director of Public Affairs for the Illinois Department of Transportation and as a Community Engagement Specialist in education. Her foundation in journalism, radio, and television informs her communication expertise.

Hansbro earned a Journalism degree from Northern Illinois University and a master’s in Public Administration from the University of Illinois–Springfield. A graduate of the Prison Fellowship Warden’s Exchange, she has lectured internationally in New Zealand and completed executive leadership training with the National Institute of Corrections.