New Superintendent at Patten Probation Detention Center

Commissioner: Timothy C. Ward

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Lenard Copenhaver Promoted

FORSYTH, Ga. – Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the promotion of Lenard Copenhaver to Superintendent at Patten Probation Detention Center (PDC), effective October 1, 2020. As Superintendent, Copenhaver will be responsible for overseeing 61 staff members and 252 minimum-security male detainees.

“Copenhaver has been gone above and beyond in his 20 years of service with the agency,” said Commissioner Ward. “I am confident that he will excel as he takes his next step in his professional career at Patten PDC.”

Copenhaver began his career with the Georgia Department of Corrections in 2000, as a Correctional Officer at Autry State Prison. He transferred to the Thomasville Diversion Center in 2001 and in 2003, he was promoted to Chief of Security. In 2005, Copenhaver served as the Business Manager at Thomasville Diversion Center and in 2008, transferred to Valdosta Transitional Center as Business Manager.  In 2016, he was promoted to Assistant Superintendent at Valdosta Transitional Center, where he currently serves.

Copenhaver received an associate degree in Computer Repair from Lansing Community College, and is a veteran of the Unites States Marine Corps. He has completed the following department training: Basic Correctional Officer Training, Basic Management Training, Advanced Governmental Accounting 1 & 2, and the Professional Management Program through Columbus State University.

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.