stephen.horton@ncdps.gov

Stephen Horton is the Commissioner for North Carolina and the Deputy Compact Administrator for the North Carolina ICJ Office with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety; Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. He has served as DCA since 2014 and has over 13 years of service with the North Carolina ICJ office. He was appointed Commissioner in 2021. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Appalachian State University in 1996. Mr. Horton began his career in juvenile justice over 24 years ago and has worked as a Court Counselor, Court Counselor Supervisor, and as a Staff Development Specialist. Stephen is an adjunct General Instructor for North Carolina and holds Specialized Instructor certifications in Restraint, Control, and Defensive Tactics (self-defense) and Wellness and Fitness. He has chaired the Rules Committee for the past two years during this “rules promulgation cycle.” Stephen also serves on the Training Committee. Beyond work, he likes spending his time outdoors.