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Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) DeWayne Wells was sworn in as the Louisiana Selective Service State Director by U.S. Selective Service Acting Director Craig T. Brown. He is the first African American to serve in this position. Wells was nominated by Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards and appointed by Brown. Major General Keith Waddell, the Adjutant General for the Louisiana National Guard presided over the ceremony. The event took place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 7, 2021, at the historic Jackson Barracks, Louisiana National Guard, 6400 St. Claude Ave, New Orleans.
Wells replaces former long-time State Director Colonel (Ret.) Everett Bonner, in his role as liaison between the Selective Service System and the Governor’s office. He will represent the Governor and the Selective Service Director regarding agency matters in Louisiana.
“I am truly honored to serve as the Louisiana State Director for the Selective Service System,” Wells said. “I look forward to continuing to enhance registration, local board membership and readiness programs. It’s a critical mission and registration provides numerous state and federal benefits to individuals who register and to the nation.”
Selective Service Region II Director Carlos Perez said of Wells, “We are honored to have him as our State Director – he is an outstanding leader and committed to community and country.”
Wells completed a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Southern University and A&M College. He received his bachelor’s degree in political science and completed ROTC at Grambling State University. He graduated from Peabody Magnet High School. Wells’ military career spans more than 33 years, including 14 years as an Army Reserve officer assigned to the Selective Service in Louisiana, culminating in his promotion to Detachment Commander. He also served as an Army Drill Sergeant before he received his commission as an officer.
In his civilian career, Wells is the Director of Safety & Security for East Baton Rouge Parish School System. He is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and is a Prince Hall Mason. He attends church at Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge.
Originally from Alexandria, LA, he currently lives in Prairieville, LA, with his wife Erica. They have three sons, Zackery, Erik, and Kobe. Erik and Kobe are cadets at the United States Military Academy, West Point, NY.
