Commissioner : Gregory C. Dozier

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Alan Watson recognized

Forsyth, GA. – The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) honored Alan Watson with the Innovation/Process Improvement of the Year award at the 13th Annual GDC Awards ceremony on August 8 at GDC headquarters in Forsyth, Ga.

“Alan was an integral part in the coordination, execution, and success of the recent and necessary shifts in the processes of GCI,” said Assistant Commissioner of Administration and Finance Scott Poitevint. “I can personally attest to the fact that Alan worked countless hours to keep these efforts moving forward, and we thank him.”

This inaugural award recognizes innovative employees who have undertaken initiatives that have enhanced the effectiveness or efficiency of GDC and/or Georgia Correctional Industries (GCI). The recipient of this award will have made a significant and positive impact on the agency’s operating or business processes.

In late summer of 2016, the professional services firm Ernst & Young issued a series of reports documenting GCI’s Food and Farm activities. The reports identified numerous activities within GCI resulting in significant cost savings to the state as well as a number of recommendations for changes and process improvement. Watson was selected for his organizational skills and his focus and determination to complete tasks timely and correctly. Milestones that Watson oversaw included the realignment and move of business process of GCI Administrative functions to GDC headquarters, the transition of GCI financials to the state’s Enterprise Financial System – PeopleSoft, and the move of the Purchasing Card program to the state’s preferred model.

Several key officials were on hand for the ceremony, which was attended by more than 250 guests.  Making the award presentation with Commissioner Greg Dozier were State Senator Tyler Harper, Board of Corrections member Christopher Clark,  Chief of Staff Timothy C. Ward,  Assistant Commissioners Ricky Myrick, Scott Poitevint, Jay Sanders, Randy Sauls, and Director of Professional Development Terry Edge and Director of Professional Standards Clay Nix.

The 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.