Amanda Simpson is a seasoned corrections professional with over 16 years of dedicated service in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Currently serving as the Senior Warden at the Ellen Halbert Unit in Burnet, Texas since May 2024, she is passionate about fostering safe, effective environments for rehabilitation and promoting the well-being of both staff and incarcerated individuals.
Warden Simpson began her career in 2008 as a Correctional Officer, gaining valuable experience across the Mountain View Unit, Travis Unit, and Halbert Unit. Her leadership potential quickly became evident, leading to her promotion to Sergeant at the Alfred D. Hughes Unit in 2015 and Lieutenant in 2016. In 2017, she advanced to Captain at the Ellis Unit, followed by a promotion to Major at the George Beto Unit in 2019.
In 2021, she transferred to the Christina Melton Crain Unit as a Major before her promotion to Assistant Warden at the Mountain View Unit in September 2022. She returned to the Christina Melton Crain Unit in June 2023, continuing her leadership journey until her appointment as Senior Warden at the Ellen Halbert Unit.
Warden Simpson is also deeply committed to rehabilitation and community engagement. She was profoundly impacted by the Women’s Storybook Program, witnessing firsthand the positive effects on incarcerated women who participated. In recognition of her passion and support for the initiative, she joined the Women’s Storybook Program Board of Directors in September 2025.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) and an Associate of Arts in Interpreting for the Deaf. In addition to her professional achievements, she is dedicated to promoting positive interactions between correctional facilities and surrounding communities and is an advocate for physical fitness as a tool for personal growth and resilience.
Warden Simpson continues to pursue educational and professional development opportunities, striving to enhance her leadership and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of correctional practices.