Rusty Bechtold is currently the Assistant General Manager for the California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA) Workforce Development Branch. Mr. Bechtold has more than 30 years of experience in training, teaching and directing career development programs in a correctional environment.
Mr. Bechtold began his career with the Joint Venture Program (JVP) at Avenal State Prison's commercial agriculture operation, then went on to receive his vocational teaching credentials. CALPIA acquired him from teaching high school, and he spent his initial CALPIA career working at numerous state prisons, supervising and training offenders in industrial food and agriculture practices. Mr. Bechtold then progressed as Prison Industry Manager at CALPIA's Central Office, providing statewide advisory for CALPIA’s Food and Agricultural enterprises. Subsequently, he promoted as the CALPIA Administrator responsible for the operational management of three adult institutions. He then advanced to CALPIA’s Central Office serving as the Chief of CALPIA’s Workforce Development Branch. As Chief, he was responsible for managing CALPIA’s Joint and Free Venture Programs, Career Technical Education, and Industry Employment Program.
Mr. Bechtold is a graduate from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture Sciences. He is also a graduate of University of California, Davis, receiving his Teaching Credential in Agriculture Education.