Thomas Coughlin III

Thomas A. Coughlin III
New York State Commissioner of Correctional Services
In office
1979–1994
Preceded byRichard Hongisto
Succeeded byJohn A. Lyons
New York State Commissioner of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities
In office
1975–1979
Preceded byPosition established
Succeeded byJames E. Introne
Personal details
Born(1938-02-12)February 12, 1938
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
DiedAugust 23, 2001(2001-08-23) (aged 63)
Syracuse, New York, U.S.
EducationGoddard College

Thomas Coughlin III (February 12, 1938 – August 23, 2001) was the first commissioner of the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (now Office for People with Developmental Disabilities) and later served as the second longest commissioner of the New York State Department of Correctional Services. He was originally appointed by former Governor Hugh Carey as deputy commissioner for mental retardation in the New York State Department of Mental Hygiene in 1975.