Mike Martel, who began his career 30 years ago as a correctional officer at San Quentin State Prison, has been appointed acting warden of the facility.
Martel, 56, was appointed acting warden on Feb. 22, San Quentin State Prison Lt. Sam Robinson said.
Martel will earn $122,000 annually.
Martel was unavailable for comment today, but Robinson said Martel considers it an honor to return to where his career began.
“We’re eager to have him take over our operations with his vast experience. He’s the right man at the right time,” Robinson said.
Martel replaces Vincent Cullen who was appointed acting warden in January 2010.
Robinson said Cullen provided sound operations at the prison but “an alternate placement was appropriate at this time.”
Martel, a native of Niagara Falls, N.Y., began his career as a correctional officer in 1981.
He held positions at Folsom State Prison, the California Medical Facility at Vacaville, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s headquarters in Sacramento, and California State Prison in Sacramento.
Martel was the warden at Amador County’s Mule Creek State Prison before he was named acting warden at San Quentin State Prison, Robinson said.
Martel will have an evaluation before it is decided whether he will be named warden of San Quentin, Robinson said.
James Lanaras, Bay City News
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