SIOUX CITY, Iowa – A former police officer from Hartley Iowa and a veteran corrections leader has been appointed Director of the Iowa Department of Corrections (DOC) 3rd District, effective April 11, 2025. Mark Covey brings over 25 years of public safety experience to the role, most recently serving as the District’s assistant director. He previously held positions as a probation/parole officer and supervisor within the DOC, and served as a police officer in Sioux City and Hartley.

 DOC leaders praise Covey’s experience, collaborative style, and deep understanding of the District. Covey holds degrees from Northwestern College in Orange City and the University of South Dakota.

The Iowa DOC 3rd district includes 16 counties in northwest Iowa.