David Edwards
Director of Research, Planning, & Process Improvement
Department of Corrections

As director I lead a team of professional researchers, planners, and quality assurance specialists. We support the Missouri Department of Corrections by generating data and conducting analysis that support data-driven decision making. Members of our team lead strategic planning functions, provide statistics for departmental activities, evaluate program performance, oversee research to further correctional knowledge and inform best practices, and foster continual improvement in services and products provided to the citizens of Missouri. I have 15 years’ experience in correctional research and planning across two state correctional systems. I have degrees in psychology, public policy, and planning from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.