Robert Norvell appointed warden at Pender Correctional Institution

Robert Norvell has been named the warden of Pender Correctional Institution in Burgaw.

Norvell, a 31-year veteran of the NC Department of Adult Correction, previously served as interim warden of Pender Correctional.

"We are pleased to have someone of Warden Norvell's experience and knowledge assuming a key facility leadership role," said Secretary of Adult Correction Leslie Dismukes. "He knows Pender Correctional Institution thoroughly, and he has a firm grasp of our department's security and rehabilitation missions."

Pender Correctional Institution is a medium-custody facility that houses about 530 men. Rehabilitative educational and vocational programs, in partnership with Cape Fear Community College, range from high-school equivalency to diesel mechanics.

Norvell served almost his entire career at Pender Correctional Institution, starting as a correctional officer in 1992. He rose through the ranks, earning a promotion to captain in 2007 and to associate warden of custody in 2013, retiring in 2022.

He returned to NCDAC on a contract basis in 2024, conducting internal investigations and handling complaints and inquiries. He served as interim warden of New Hanover Correctional Center from November 2024 to January 2025, and as interim warden of Pender Correctional from November 2025 until the present.

He served as a PREA compliance manager and has been an instructor in correctional information management, in controls, restraints and defensive techniques and in use of pepper spray. He holds an Advanced Certificate from the NC Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission and graduated from the Correctional Leadership Development Program. He earned an associate's degree in criminal justice from Cape Fear Community College.