New Superintendent at Long State Prison Named

Commissioner : Brian Owens

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Shawn Sikes Appointed

Forsyth —Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Brian Owens announced the appointment of Shawn Sikes to Superintendent of Long State Prison effective October 1, 2014. As Superintendent, Sikes will be responsible for the day to day operations of the facility and overseeing 65 staff members and 220 medium security male offenders.

“Shawn has shown great leadership as a Deputy Warden,” said Commissioner Brian Owens. “We know he will continue to demonstrate that same level of leadership in his new role as Superintendent of Long State Prison.”

Sikes joined the department in 2002 as a Counselor at Smith State Prison. In 2010, Sikes was promoted to Chief Counselor at Smith State Prison. In 2011, he was promoted to Unit Manager at Smith State Prison. In 2012, Sikes was promoted to Deputy Warden of Emanuel Women’s Facility, where he most recently served.

Sikes received a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Georgia Southern University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree from Columbus State University. During his career with the Department, Sikes has completed the following training courses; Basic Correctional Officer Training (BCOT); Advanced Management Training (AMT); Correctional Leadership Institute (CLI); Deputy Warden of Care & Treatment Academy; and Deputy Warden of Security Academy. 

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.