Diana Knapp to Lead Corrections Efforts

For immediate release: Friday, March 6, 2026

Kansas City has named veteran criminal justice leader Diana Knapp to lead the City's corrections and rehabilitation efforts. In this role, she will guide a modern approach to municipal corrections that integrates public safety, public health, and successful community reentry.

Knapp brings more than three decades of experience across the criminal justice system, including leadership roles in municipal, state, and county agencies overseeing detention operations, behavioral health programs, and community reentry initiatives. Her career reflects a balanced approach that combines correctional management, public health coordination, and rehabilitative practices designed to improve safety while supporting positive outcomes for individuals and families.

"Diana brings a valuable understanding of corrections, rehabilitation, and the importance of strong partnerships," said City Manager Mario Vasquez. "Her leadership will help advance Kansas City's work to strengthen safety and accountability while connecting people to the resources and support that help stabilize families and neighborhoods."

Most recently, Knapp served as Director of the Jackson County Department of Corrections, where she oversaw operations of an 800-bed detention facility with more than 250 staff and a $33 million operating budget. During her tenure, she led efforts to strengthen organizational culture, expand training and accountability, and improve safety for both staff and individuals in custody.

Earlier in her career, Knapp served as Program Manager for the City of Kansas City's BRIDGES program, which provided case management services for municipal inmates with mild to moderate mental health diagnoses transitioning back into the community. She also held leadership roles with the Jackson County Family Court's juvenile detention center and the Heartland Center for Behavioral Change, where she managed residential services and reentry programs.

Knapp began her criminal justice career as a probation and parole officer in Kansas City in 1991.

At the national level, she currently serves as First Vice President of the American Jail Association's Board of Directors and contributes to national committees focused on workplace practices, legislative affairs, and professional standards. She frequently teaches and presents to corrections and law enforcement audiences across the country on leadership, organizational culture, and correctional reform.

"The opportunity to help serve Kansas City in this role is incredibly meaningful," said Knapp. "Our focus will be on supporting safety in our community while ensuring people in custody have access to the services and support that help them return successfully to their families and neighborhoods."

Knapp holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia College and a Bachelor of Arts in History and Secondary Education from Pittsburg State University. She is certified as a Corrections Executive by the American Correctional Association, a Certified Jail Manager through the American Jail Association, and a Certified Correctional Health Professional through the National Commission on Correctional Health Care.

Knapp will begin her role on Monday, March 16.

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Media with questions may contact Sherae Honeycutt, Press Secretary of Kansas City, at [email protected].