New Statewide PREA Coordinator Named

Commissioner : Brian Owens

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Sharon Ray Shaver Appointed

Forsyth — Commissioner Brian Owens announced the promotion of Sharon Ray Shaver as the Department’s new Statewide PREA Coordinator effective September 16, 2014. In this capacity, Shaver will serve as liaison in all matters associated with the National Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) and subsequent U.S. Department of Justice Final Rule of 2012. In addition, Shaver will provide consultation, guidance, and assistance to facilities and probation staff.  

“Sharon has exhibited excellent leadership qualities throughout her career,” said Commissioner Brian Owens. “I am confident that the 16 years of dedicated experience Sharon has with the Department of Corrections will serve her well in this new role.”

Shaver started her career with the Department in 1997 as an Accountant Paraprofessional at Bostick State Prison. In 1998, she was promoted to Business Manager at Dooly State Prison. Shaver was then promoted to Deputy Warden of Administration in 1999 and served in this capacity at Macon and Rivers State Prison. In 2008, she was promoted to Director of Offender Administration and in 2010 she was promoted to Campus Superintendent at the Department’s headquarters. Shaver was promoted to Deputy Division Director of Operations, Planning, and Training, the following year. In March 2012, Shaver accepted a position as Director of the Atlanta Youth Development Campus with the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice. In 2013, Shaver returned to the Department of Corrections to serve as the Leadership Development Coordinator/Instructor, where she most recently served.

Shaver has a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Georgia College and State University, a Master of Public Administration from Columbus State University and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Public Administration at Valdosta State University. She has completed Peace Officer Standards and Training for Correctional Officer and Senior Instructor, Governmental Accounting I & II, and Corrections Leadership Institute.

The GDC has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 55,000 state prisoners and more than 160,000 probationers. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 12,000 employees.

For more information on the GDC call 478-992-5247 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.