Grandlienard Named Warden of Oak Park Heights Prison

Kent Grandlienard was chosen by Department of Corrections Commissioner Tom Roy as the new warden of the Minnesota Correctional Facility Oak Park Heights—the state’s only level 5, maximum-security prison.

Grandlienard replaces Jessica Symmes as warden . 

Grandlienard began his career as a corrections officer at the Stillwater prison in 1981 and worked his way up through the ranks, most recently serving as associate warden at Oak Park Heights prison. 

“I am honored to be selected as the warden, and look forward to the challenge of carrying on the high standard of wardens at this facility and throughout the DOC,” Grandlienard said. “I am also thankful that I will be able to continue to work with all the great staff here, whose daily efforts make this facility one of the most safe, secure and humane maximum-security prisons in existence.” 

Grandlienard, raised in the east metro, has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus. He has also held several positions in the Stillwater area, such as Washington County Planning and Advisory Commission member, Baytown Township Supervisor,  Chairman and  School Board member. 

“Kent has dedicated his entire career to excellence in corrections,” Commissioner Tom Roy said. “His knowledge of the facility, staff and offenders will benefit the department greatly as he oversees the most secure facility in the state.” 

The Oak Park Heights prison receives offenders primarily transferred from other adult male institutions who are classified as maximum custody or extreme risks to the public. The level five, maximum-security institution has a population of 432 inmates.