New Warden Named at Smith State Prison

Commissioner : Brian Owens

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Douglas Williams Reassigned

FORSYTH, Ga. — Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Brian Owens announced the reassignment of Douglas Williams as the new Warden of Smith State Prison effective January 1, 2015.  Formally Warden of Dodge State Prison, Williams will now be responsible for overseeing 325 staff members and 1,545 close security male inmates at the facility located in Glennville, Ga.

“Wardens play an integral role in keeping the state’s citizens safe and rehabilitating our inmates,” said Commissioner Owens. “I look forward to Warden William’s leadership as he is a dedicated and valuable employee who is committed to helping the Department carry out its mission.”

Williams began his career with the Department in 1990 as a Correctional Officer at Rogers State Prison (SP). In 1997, Williams was promoted to Sergeant and in 1998, he was promoted to Lieutenant, serving these positions at both Rogers and Telfair State Prisons. In 2002 he was promoted to Captain at Rogers SP. While at Rogers SP, he was appointed to Major in 2008 and Deputy Warden of Security in 2010. In 2012, Williams was promoted to Warden of Dodge State Prison, where he most recently served.

Williams holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Public Administration degree from Columbus State University. Additionally, Williams has completed the Department’s Basic Management Training (BMT), Professional Management Program (PMP), Corrections Leadership Institute (CLI) and the Warden’s Pre-Command Course.

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.