June 20, 2019
New Warden at the Special Management Unit
Commissioner: Timothy C. Ward
Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath
Jose Morales Reassigned
FORSYTH, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the reassignment of Jose Morales to warden at the Special Management Unit (SMU), effective July 1, 2019. As warden of the SMU, Morales will be responsible for approximately 95 security and 11 non-security staff and 135 male offenders.
“Morales has served the department for 20 years and has gained invaluable knowledge in our field,” said Ward. “We are thankful for his dedication and look forward to his leadership in his new position.”
Morales began his career with the department in 1999 as a correctional officer and transfer sergeant at Rutledge State Prison (SP). In 2004, he transferred to the South West Georgia Corrections Academy at Lee SP where he served as a training major. In 2006, Morales was promoted to assistant superintendent at Western Pre-Release Center and in 2007, he transferred to Calhoun SP as deputy warden of security. In 2010, he was promoted to warden at Johnson SP and has since served as warden at Calhoun SP, Long Unit and Coastal SP.
Morales is a retired veteran of the U.S. Army Airborne Infantry with more than 23 years of honorable service, retiring in 1999. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Columbus State University. He has completed the following departmental training: Basic Correctional Officer Training, Basic Management Training, Corrections Leadership Institute, POST IT, Firearms Instructor, Hostage Negotiator, Pre-Command, Professional Management Program, Senior Training Instructor and Crisis Negotiations.
About the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC)
The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 52,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees. For more information on the GDC, call 478-992-5247 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.
