New Warden Named at Ware State Prison

Commissioner: Gregory C. Dozier

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

James Deal Promoted

FORSYTH, Ga. – Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier announced the promotion of James Deal to Warden at Ware State Prison, effective August 21, 2017. As Warden, Deal will be responsible for overseeing 397 staff members and 1,546 close security male offenders.

“James has demonstrated his commitment to protecting the public of this great State for more than 25 years,” said Commissioner Dozier. “His valuable leadership experience will be a tremendous asset to the staff and inmates at Ware State Prison.”

Deal began his career with the Georgia Department of Corrections in 1989 as a Correctional Officer at Coastal State Prison. He progressed through the ranks as Correctional Officer I, II, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and later Deputy Warden of Security at Coastal State Prison, where he remained until his transfer to Rogers State Prison in 2008. James continued to serve as Deputy Warden of Security at Rogers State Prison and at Smith State Prison, until his promotion in 2014, to the position of Auditor with the Audits and Compliance Unit. In 2016, he was promoted to Senior Auditor and later that year became the first Statewide Senior Auditor for the Audits Unit, where he currently serves.

James has participated in Coursera, an online College/University program, attended the Community College of the Air Force, and completed training with the Savannah Vocational Technical College. He has completed Basic Correctional Officer Training (BCOT), Basic Management Training (BMT), the Professional Management Training (PMP), Pre-Command, and the Corrections Leadership Institute (CLI).

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.