DOVER — Delaware Department of Correction Commissioner Monroe B. Hudson Jr. announced that he has appointed John Sebastian as chief of the Bureau of Administrative Services for the department.

He replaces Jennifer Biddle, who was recently appointed to a senior leadership position in the state Department of Human Resources.

Mr. Sebastian, who was the deputy chief of administrative services, assumed his new position this week.

“John Sebastian has demonstrated over more than three decades his ability to advance the Department of Correction’s dual mission to strengthen public safety and support offender rehabilitation,” Mr. Hudson said. “Starting as a probation officer, followed by more than 25 years in supervisory and senior leadership positions, he has helped transform our department by leveraging data and rigorous assessment, cutting-edge programs, staff training and support, and responsive offender supervision techniques.

“John understands DOC operations, the strengths of our exceptional employees and the opportunities and challenges of building a cutting-edge correctional system better than anyone. As chief of administrative services, he is a valued and capable senior member of our leadership team.”

Mr. Sebastian joined DOC in 1991, completing his academy training as a probation officer after earning a criminal justice degree from the University of Delaware.

He served in a variety of positions of increasing responsibility over his career.

“I am honored to lead DOC’s Administrative Services team that provides critical services and support to more than 2,600 officers and staff members and that collaborates across state government and with others to secure the resources needed to achieve our important mission,” he said.