Stephen POKANIS was appointed Commissioner on 26th September 2019. His appointment was made by the Head of State, the Governor General of Papua New Guinea upon advise from Minister for Public Service under NEC decision through the Minister for PNG Correctional Service under Section 13 of Correctional Service Act of 1995 (Amended).  Prior to Stephen's appointment as Commissioner of PNG Correctional Service, he served as Deputy Commissioner-Corporate Services and Assisstant Commissioner-Policy, Planning and Evaluation.  Stephen has 34 years of experience in Corrections administration and public policy.  He holds a Master of Public Policy(Development Administration) from Australia National University, Canberra (Australia).  He has a Bachelor of Social Science(Social Work) Degree from University of Papua New Guinea.  Stephen also has Post-Graduate Diploma in Public Administration from Australia National University, Canberra (Australia), a Post-Graduate Diploma in Social Administration from University of Papua New Guinea and a Post Graduate Diploma in Economic Policy Analysis from National Research Institute of Papua New Guinea.  Commissioner-Stephen Pokanis is the Chairman of the Correctional Service Executive Team (CSET).  He is also a member of the Parole Board of Papua New Guinea and is a full member of the PNG Australia Alumni Association.