New Warden Named at Central State Prison

Commissioner : Brian Owens

Director of Public Affairs :Joan Heath

Walter Berry Promoted

FORSYTH, Ga. — Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Brian Owens announced the promotion of Walter Berry as the Warden of Central State Prison effective November 1, 2014. As Warden, Berry will be responsible for overseeing 249 staff members and 1,059 medium security male inmates at the facility located in Macon, Ga.

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

Berry began his career with the Department in 1993 as a Correctional Officer at Scott State Prison. In 1995, Berry was promoted to Correctional Officer II at Dooly State Prison (SP). During his tenure at Dooly SP, Berry has served in the following roles; promoted to Sergeant in 1996, promoted to CERT Sergeant in 1998, promoted to Lieutenant in 2001, promoted to Captain in 2007, promoted to Unit Manager in 2008, and promoted to Deputy Warden of Care & Treatment in 2012. In December 2012, Berry was promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at Dooly SP, where he most recently served. 

Berry earned a Bachelor’s degree in Justice Studies from Grand Canyon University and was recently selected to attend the Command College in Columbus, Ga.  Berry’s departmental training consists of:  Basic Correctional Officer’s Training (BCOT), Basic Management Training (BMT), Correctional Leadership Institute (CLI), Professional Management Program (PMP), Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment Training, Pre-Command Training for Wardens and Chiefs, and Deputy Warden of Security Academy.

Berry retired from the United States Air Force in 2008 after serving 16 years on Active Duty and four years in the Air Force Reserves.

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.