DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Corrections (DOC), today (Friday), announced the promotion of Shannon Archer to General Counsel, effective immediately. Officials say Archer, who previously served as Legal Counsel for the department, has been instrumental in navigating complex legal landscapes and providing exceptional guidance to the DOC.

Archer’s impressive legal career – the news release said – spans over 15 years, with more than 60 jury trials conducted. During that time, she represented the DOC in civil trials as an Assistant Attorney General, the State of Iowa in criminal prosecutions as an Assistant Polk County Attorney, and also contracted with the State Public Defender’s Office to represent indigent clients facing Class A felony charges. She is a nationally recognized expert and educator on topics including domestic violence and sexual abuse. Before joining the DOC, Archer served as both an Assistant Attorney General and an Assistant Polk County Attorney. She holds a law degree with honors from Drake University and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, cum laude, from Wartburg College.

In her new role, Archer will provide legal expertise to the DOC’s leadership team, staff, and the Board of Corrections. She will also manage legal services for more than 8,500 incarcerated individuals and 30,000 probationers and/or parolees. DOC Director Dr. Beth Skinner says “Shannon has consistently demonstrated the skills, integrity, and dedication needed to excel in this critical role. Her ability to manage complex legal challenges and her unwavering commitment to justice have already made a significant impact on our department. We are incredibly excited to see her lead our legal team and continue to serve the people of Iowa with the same excellence she has always shown.”

Archer said in the news release that is is “…Honored and excited to step into the role of General Counsel for the Iowa Department of Corrections.’ She said also, she is “…passionate about our mission to promote public safety and justice, and [looks] forward to working with [the DOC’s] talented team to uphold the highest legal standards and support the goals of the department.”