Campbell is the former director of the Kentucky Parole Board who went to work for the Abramson administration three-and-a-half years ago. Campbell tells me he's been contemplating retirement for some time and his decision has nothing to do with the pending complaints and internal investigation involving his right hand man and the 2nd ranked jail administrator, Kevin Sidebottom.

Here's the release from the Mayor's office:

Campbell to Retire Sept. 30 as Corrections Chief

Abramson: He Brought New Level of Excellence, Professionalism to Jail

LOUISVILLE (August 14, 2008) - Louisville Metro Corrections Director Tom Campbell announced today that he plans to retire effective Sept. 30.

Campbell took the helm of Louisville's jail in January 2005 after three decades of public service in numerous leadership positions in the Kentucky Department of Corrections, including state corrections commissioner.

Mayor Jerry Abramson initially hired Campbell as interim director while he conducted a search for a permanent replacement, but quickly determined that Campbell was the right person for the job and convinced him to stay.

"Tom has brought our Corrections Department to a new level of professionalism and excellence," Abramson said. "Managing a corrections facility is a difficult and challenging task. He has certainly earned the opportunity to reduce his stress level and enjoy retirement."

During Campbell's tenure, Corrections has increased staff recruiting efforts, expanded substance-abuse treatment counseling and emphasized reentry efforts for inmates which included the development of the "Pathways" program. Campbell also provided oversight for many renovation projects throughout the facilities that improved working conditions for staff and created better living environment for inmates. In addition, he has worked diligently to improve communications between Corrections and local justice agencies.

Campbell has agreed to continue to be part of Metro Corrections Vision 20/20, a task force appointed by Abramson to study solutions to overcrowding problems at the jail.

Abramson has also asked Campbell to head search efforts for a new corrections chief. Both Abramson and Campbell are hopeful that will be completed before the end of September.