MARION — Jason Bunting is the new warden at the Marion Correctional Institution.

The appointment was made by Gary Mohr, director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. Bunting assumed his new post at the Marion-Williamsport Road facility on Nov. 6.

Bunting began his career at MCI in 1997 as a social worker. He had previously held various positions at MCI including case manager, unit manager, deputy warden of operations and special services.

He is a graduate of Mansfield Senior High School and earned his bachelor’s degree at Mount Union College and a master’s in social/clinical work at Ohio State University, states a press release.

Bunting stated, "At MCI, we are making every effort to create an environment where men are encouraged to make restitution, make amends and take responsibility for any wrongs they have done that have impacted others, their families, friends and communities. All in an effort for them to make the necessary changes in their lives to be productive during and after their incarceration."

A medium/minimum security institution, MCI currently houses 2,634 offenders.

“It is a credit to our staff that such an environment has been created,” Bunting stated. “They have found a way to provide effective offender programming without sacrificing the safety and security necessary to operate a prison. I'm fortunate to be affiliated with such a tremendous group of professionals.”