WEST CHESTER, PA — The Chester County Prison Board appointed Brian Sheller as warden at its Aug. 19 meeting, elevating the facility’s acting leader as the county pursues operational improvements and continuity in prison management.
Sheller had served as acting warden since Howard Holland was promoted to deputy county administrator in March. He became deputy warden in February 2024.
The Prison Board cited Sheller’s law enforcement background and familiarity with prison operations as qualifications for the post.
The board expects Sheller to implement “ongoing operational improvements” while overseeing correctional staff and attending to the well-being of people held at the facility, according to a joint statement.
Before joining the prison’s leadership, Sheller spent 36 years with the Parkesburg Borough Police Department, including more than 30 years as police chief.
Sheller developed Parkesburg’s contract-policing model, which continues to provide full-service police coverage to several surrounding municipalities.
His other positions have included president of the Chester County Police Chiefs Association, commander of the Chester County Major Incident Response Team, and instructor at the Chester County Public Safety Training Campus and Montgomery County Municipal Police Academy.
Sheller is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
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