New Warden Named at Autry State Prison

Commissioner : Brian Owens

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Edward Philbin Jr. Appointed

FORSYTH, Ga. — Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Brian Owens announced the appointment of Edward Philbin Jr. as the Warden of Autry State Prison effective July 1, 2014.  The facility is located in Pelham, Georgia. As Warden, Philbin will be responsible for overseeing 348 staff members and 1,640 medium security male inmates.

“Edward has proven himself to be a great leader within our agency,” said Commissioner Brian Owens. “We are confident his 21 years of experience will benefit him in this new role.”

Philbin began his career with the Department of Corrections in 1993 as Counselor II at Savannah Transitional Center. In 1994, he was promoted to Mental Health Senior Counselor at Autry State Prison, and was later promoted to Chief Counselor in 1998. Philbin transferred to Valdosta State Prison in 2000 to serve as the Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment. In 2013, Philbin was promoted to Superintendent of Robert L. Patten Probation Detention Center, where he most recently served.

Philbin earned an Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Darton College, a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science degrees in Criminal Justice from Albany State University. During his career, Philbin completed Warden’s Pre Command, Deputy Wardens of Care and Treatment Academy, Corrections Leadership Institute, and Basic Correctional Officer Training. Prior to joining the Department, Philbin served as a Combat Engineer in the United States Army.

The GDC has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 55,000 state prisoners and more than 160,000 probationers. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 12,000 employees.

For more information on the GDC call 478-992-5247 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.