Wardens Appointed at California State Prisons

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced the appointment of two wardens who bring years of experience in corrections to their roles.

Brian Allo has been appointed Warden of the California State Prison in Los Angeles County at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Allo has been serving in the department as the Acting Warden since 2025. He previously held multiple positions at the California Rehabilitation Center, including as a Chief Deputy Administrator, and was an Associate Warden at the California Institution for Men.

Allo began his career as a Correctional Officer in 2001 and worked at the Ironwood State Prison as a Correctional Sergeant.

Kimberly Thornton has also been appointed Warden of High Desert State Prison, where she has bserved as the Acting Warden since 2025. Thornton has served in a variety of roles at the department over the years and began working in the industry in 1996.

Thornton also worked at the Pelican Bay State Prison and the Avenal State Prison. She has served multiple roles within the California Substance and Abuse Treatment Facility, including as the Health Program Specialist.

Neither of the positions require Senate confirmation, according to a news release from Gov. Newsom’s office.