New Deputy Director of Facilities Administration/Support Named

James Payne Promoted

FORSYTH, Ga. -- Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of James Payne to Deputy Director of Facilities Administration/Support, effective June 1, 2024. As Deputy Director, Payne will manage the Field Services and Special Projects Units, as well as the Leadership Development unit for the Facilities Administration Support Division. He will also assist the Director in the oversight of daily operations for the Division.

“James has proven to be an invaluable member of the GDC team for more than 30 years,” said Commissioner Tyrone Oliver. “He has gained a vast amount of correctional knowledge while making his way up through the ranks, and we are confident that his knowledge will serve him and the team well as he takes on this new role.”

Payne began his career with the Department in 1990 as a Correctional Officer at Hays State Prison. In 1992, he was promoted to Sergeant. He transferred to the Northwest Probation Detention Center in 1994 when he was promoted to Chief of Security. In 1999, he was promoted to Manager of the Communications Center at Central Office. In 2001, Payne was selected to serve as a Program Development Consultant, working with the Corrections Division Policies and Procedures. Three years later, he was promoted to Assistant Superintendent at the Northwest Probation Detention Center. He served in this capacity until 2010 when he became an Auditor with the Investigations and Compliance Unit. In 2013, Payne was promoted to Superintendent of Phillips Transitional Center, and in 2016, was promoted to Warden at Burruss Correctional Training Center.  He was promoted to Statewide County Prison Coordinator in January 2021, where he currently serves.

Payne earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business administration from California Coast University. He has completed the following departmental training: Basic Correctional Officer Training, Professional Management Program, POST Instructor Training, Senior POST Instructor Certification, Corrections Leadership Institute, and Wardens Pre-Command.