Feb. 24--WILKES-BARRE -- A retired state prison superintendent with more than 32 years experience in the correctional industry was hired Monday as the new warden at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility.

Joseph Piazza, 57, of Pringle, served as superintendent at the State Correctional Institution at Coal Township for three years before his retirement in June. He said he opted to come out of retirement because he felt he could be a strong asset to the prison.

"I enjoy corrections. It's been part of my life a long time. I'd like to see what I can accomplish at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility," he said.

Piazza won the job over 12 other applicants who sought to replace longtime Warden Gene Fischi, who retired at the end of last year. He comes to a prison that faces numerous challenges, including continued problems with severe overcrowding. The position pays $75,000 a year.

Piazza said he has not yet decided what his top priorities will be. He vowed to work with the prison's union, which has a contract up for renewal this year. He said he will also look at innovative ways, including alternative sentencing, to ease overcrowding, and plans to examine staffing patterns to ensure manpower is being utilized most effectively.

"I think I have the background and people skills to meet those challenges," he said.

Piazza has several master's degrees from the University of Scranton and has held numerous positions at several state prisons, including SCI Dallas and Retreat, before taking on the top post at SCI Coal Township.

Commissioner Chairwoman Maryanne Petrilla lauded Piazza's credentials, saying he's overqualified for the post. Petrilla sits on the prison board with fellow commissioners Greg Skrepenak and Stephen Urban and lay members Wister Yuhas and Robert Payne.

"He's a fresh face who brings fresh ideas. I'm very excited to have someone of his caliber on our staff," she said.

Piazza started work immediately after being appointed by a 4-1 vote. Skrepenak, who supported Deputy Warden Sam Hyder for the post, cast the lone dissenting vote.

Hyder, who was reappointed deputy warden in January, said he looks forward to working with Piazza.

"Warden Piazza's resume and background are phenomenal. He's a guy with a lot of experience and I look forward to sharing ideas with him," Hyder said.

Terrie Morgan-Besecker, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 570-829-7179.

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