Gov. Maura Healey moved Friday to remove the “interim” from Shawn Jenkins’ title as head of the state Department of Corrections.

Jenkins has served as interim commissioner since March, succeeding Carol Mici after she retired.

Praising his “wealth of corrections experience” and “forward-looking vision,” Healey’s office said Friday that the governor had named Jenkins the department’s permanent commissioner.

“Shawn Jenkins has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to creating safe, secure environments while developing innovative, rehabilitative solutions across DOC correctional facilities,” Healey said in a statement. “With his extensive experience and strategic approach, Commissioner Jenkins is well-equipped to shape DOC’s future, where evidence-based practices will continue to promote safety and support positive outcomes for both incarcerated individuals and staff.”

Healey’s office outlined several accomplishments during Jenkins’ interim tenure, including launching a safety and security review at the Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center after several violent incidentsa stronger partnership with the Parole Board, and expanded reentry programming for women incarcerated at MCI-Framingham.

The department has been in a period of transition, closing MCI-Concord and a minimum-security prison in Bridgewater during a stretch of declining inmates.

Before becoming interim commissioner, Jenkins served as the department’s chief of staff and as a special sheriff in both Middlesex and Worcester counties.

Healey’s office announced Jenkins’ appointment with statements of support from several supporters of criminal justice reform, including state Sens. Jamie Eldridge and Liz Miranda, state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez and UTEC CEO Gregg Croteau.