Tennessee corrections leader to join criminal justice group

Contributed photo / Tennessee Department of Correction Commissioner Tony Parker
Contributed photo / Tennessee Department of Correction Commissioner Tony Parker

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Tennessee Department of Correction Commissioner Tony Parker plans to join a nonprofit based on criminal justice reform next year after he leaves his state post.

According to a 4th Purpose Foundation news release, Parker will join the Knoxville-based organization as its president beginning Jan. 1.

The foundation was founded by Josh Smith, who built up a $30 million company with more than 180 employees after spending five years in a federal prison camp in Kentucky for his involvement in marijuana and cocaine trafficking.

Parker has previously announced he would retire from the state this fall after almost four decades with the department.

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