Charles Flanagan, The 2016 Spark The Dream Keynote Speaker

Charles Flanagan is currently Director of Community Partnerships with Rio Salado College, Community Development Division, and administers their Downtown Location, Incarcerated Re-Entry Program, as well as Military and Veterans’ Programs. 

 Previously, on Thursday, May 29, 2014, Governor Brewer signed legislation establishing the Department of Child Safety (DCS), and selected Charles Flanagan to serve as Director of the transitional child welfare agency. Charles held this position through February 2014. Prior to this appointment, Charles served as the Chair of the Governor’s independent Team in response to the discovery of more than 6,500 “not investigated” reports and Director of the special interim child welfare Division which reported directly to the Governor.  Prior to DCS, the Governor appointed Charles as the Director of the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections (ADJC) in 2011, after serving as the Deputy Director of the Arizona Department of Corrections (ADC). 

 Charles has more than 29 years in state service of which 22 have been in an executive role, including serving as Warden at two prison complexes; Assistant Director, and CEO of Correctional Industries, as well as having administered all ADC academic and career technical education programs. 

 Charles also served as the Director of the Correctional Education Division and Program Co-Chair for the Administration of Justice Studies at Cochise Community College and has a strong community orientation, specializing in creating community partnerships. He is passionate about helping others.

 Prior to state service, Charles had a successful 14-year career in the performing arts based in the United States and Europe.  

 Charles has a degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, is a Certified Public Manager through Arizona State University and is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership through Northern Arizona University.