Headquarters Employee of the Year Named

Commissioner : Brian Owens

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Michael Tolson Honored

FORSYTH - Ga. - The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) honored Michael Tolson of Corrections Human Resources Management as the 2013 Headquarters Employee of the Year at the Tenth Annual GDC Awards ceremony on Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at State Offices South at Tift College in Forsyth, Georgia.

"Michael's years of service have been an invaluable asset to the Department," said Commissioner Brian Owens. "He is well deserving of this honor and we are proud to recognize his outstanding contributions to this agency over the years," added Owens.

The Headquarters Employee of the Year recipient must display consistency, dependability, accuracy, initiative and the ability to prioritize. This award is presented to an employee who promotes harmony and teamwork throughout the agency and maintains advanced knowledge of policy and procedures.

Tolson has played a key role in the success of the Employment Services Unit since his arrival. In 2013 alone, he saw two-thirds of his unit retire, thus being left alone to manage all functions until new staff could be appointed and trained. Tolson spends countless hours outside of the working environment to ensure that the Department has met the necessary requirements to post vacancies and recruit new team members. He is the foundation upon which this agency's forward projection and continuation is based.

Several key officials were on hand for the ceremony, which was attended by more than 200 guests. Making the award presentation with the Commissioner were Assistant Commissioner Timothy C. Ward, Board of Corrections Vice Chair Rose Williams, and special guest speakers Mercer University Athletic Director Jim Cole and Mercer University Men's Basketball Head Coach Bob Hoffman.

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.