Commissioner: Timothy C. Ward

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Kochelle Watson Promoted

FORSYTH, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the promotion of Kochelle Watson to deputy warden of security at Johnson State Prison (SP), effective May 1, 2019. In this role, Watson will be responsible for overseeing approximately 190 security staff members and 1,550 medium-security male offenders.

“Watson’s correctional experience and leadership skills will serve her well in her new role,” Ward said. “We are confident that she will have a positive impact on the staff and offenders at Johnson SP.”

Watson began her career with the department in 1998 as a correctional officer at Emanuel Probation Detention Center (PDC).  During her tenure at Emanuel PDC, she was promoted through the ranks of sergeant in 2011, and lieutenant in 2014.  Watson was promoted to unit manager at Johnson SP in 2017, where she currently serves.

Watson has completed the following departmental training: Basic Correctional Officer Training, Sergeants Academy, the Professional Management Program through Columbus State University, Advanced Management Training, and the Correctional Leadership Institute training.

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.