On Monday, Feb. 2, the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections’ (DPS&C) Secretary Gary Westcott announced the appointments of Deputy Secretary Bobby “Jamie” Lee, Undersecretary Tammy Grant, and Procurement Director Erah J. Harper.
Deputy Secretary Bobby “Jamie” Lee has a long and distinguished career spanning more than 33 years, with 30 of those years in the Department’s Probation and Parole division. Deputy Secretary Bobby “Jamie” Lee is well-certified and holds four degrees from the state of Louisiana. Lee also attended Command and General Staff College and several military schools for military intelligence, infantry, and anti-terrorism. He is a combat veteran of Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lee is also the recipient of numerous military awards and prestigious honors. He has earned many specialized instructor training credentials and certifications. Lee currently holds the rank of colonel and serves as the Louisiana National Guard Army Chief of Staff in Jackson Barracks, New Orleans.
Tammy Grant’s gubernatorial appointment as the Department’s undersecretary occurred in January 2026. In this highly complex position, she is responsible for a $1 billion budget with an allocation of $814 million for DPS&C - Correctional Services and $205 million for local housing, reentry service, and justice reinvestment. As the undersecretary, she will oversee the operations of accounting, budget, procurement and contract management, human resources, training, technology services, administrative and facility services, and consulting services.
Grant began her state civil service career in January 1992 after attending Southeastern Louisiana University. She has proudly worked in various leadership roles and was previously the Department’s procurement director.
Replacing Grant as the procurement director is Erah J. Harper. She brings a wealth of experience, having previously been the procurement director at Louisiana Economic Development and, most recently, as the Department’s procurement manager. Harper also serves as the vice-president of the Louisiana Chapter of NIGP.
“The longevity, respect, and knowledge that these leaders bring to their respective roles are commendable. We’re looking forward to seeing their progressive and forward-leaning approaches materialize in their areas of responsibility,” said Gary Westcott, secretary, Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections. “I’m confident that their ongoing
contributions will further strengthen the Department in achieving operational efficiencies and overall improvements.”
