Commissioner: Gregory C. Dozier

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Kathleen Kennedy Promoted

FORSYTH, Ga. – Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier announced the promotion of Kathleen Kennedy to Assistant Director of Female Services, effective July 1, 2017. As Assistant Director, Kennedy will be responsible for assisting the Director of Female Services with investigating and implementing gender responsive initiatives, and ensuring that the department employs evidence-based programming and processes for female offenders.

“Kathleen has dedicated 24 years of faithful service to the Department,” said Commissioner Dozier. “Her extensive knowledge of Correctional operations will greatly assist her in her new role.”

Kennedy began her career with the Department in 1993 as a Correctional Officer at Phillips State Prison (SP). During her time at Phillips SP, she rose through the ranks serving as Sergeant, Lieutenant, Unit Manager, and Deputy Warden of Security. In 2005, she was transferred to Lee Arrendale State Prison to serve as Deputy Warden of Security and was then promoted to Warden at Coastal State Prison in 2012. Kennedy returned to Lee Arrendale State Prison in 2014, to serve in the same capacity.

Kennedy earned an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies from Springfield Technical Community College. While serving in the U.S. Air Force she obtained an Associate of Sciences degree in Interpretation and Translation. Kennedy also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Mercer University and a Master of Public Administration degree from Columbia State University. During her time with the Department, Kennedy has successfully completed an array of departmental training to include: Basic Correctional Officer Training, Basic Management Training, Corrections Leadership Institute, Hostage Negotiations, Pre-Command, Crisis Intervention, Bandit, and Georgia Leadership Institute.

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.