Swainsboro Native Named New Warden

Commissioner : Brian Owens

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Brad Hooks Reassigned

Forsyth - Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Brian Owens announced the reassignment of Brad Hooks as the Warden of Johnson State Prison effective October 16, 2013. The facility is located in Wrightsville, Georgia. As Warden, Hooks will be responsible for overseeing 284 staff members and 1,612 medium security male inmates.

"Brad is a valuable asset to the Department with 18 years of dedicated service," said Commissioner Brian Owens. "His leadership will greatly impact staff and inmates at Johnson State Prison."

Hooks began his career with the Department in 1995 as a Counselor at Emanuel Probation Detention Center (PDC). In 2000, he became a Probation Officer at Emanuel PDC. He was promoted to Warden in August 2009 at both Emanuel PDC and Emanuel Transitional Center. In September 2009, he was transferred to Rogers State Prison where he most recently served as Warden. Hooks also served as County Commissioner from 2000 to 2008 in Emanuel County. Prior to his career with the Department, he served as a Jailer with the Bullouch County Sheriff's Department, as a Road Deputy with the Emanuel County Sheriff's Department and as a Social Service Specialist with the Toombs County Department of Family and Children Services.

Hooks received an Associate of Arts degree from East Georgia College and a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Georgia Southern University. He has completed Pre-Command and Corrections Leadership Institute.

The GDC has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 60,000 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.