Commissioner: Homer Bryson

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Rockmart native, James Payne, promoted

FORSYTH, Ga. – Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Homer Bryson announced the promotion of James Payne to Warden at Burruss Correctional Training Center (CTC) effective July 1, 2016. As Warden, Payne will be responsible for overseeing 253 staff members and 806 medium security male offenders. 

“James has shown great leadership skills during his 26 years of service,” said Commissioner Bryson. “We are excited to see his continued growth and success in his new role as Warden.”

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 & Compliance Unit. In 2013, Payne was promoted to Superintendent of Phillips Transitional Center, 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 (BCOT), Professional Management Program (PMP), POST IT, Senior POST Instructor Certification, Corrections Leadership Institute (CLI), and Wardens Pre-Command. 

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.