New Warden Named at Dodge State Prison

Commissioner : Brian Owens

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Sam Zanders Promoted

FORSYTH, Ga. — Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Brian Owens announced the promotion of Sam Zanders as the Warden of Dodge State Prison effective January 1, 2015. As Warden, Zanders will be responsible for overseeing 236 staff members and 1,218 medium security male inmates at the facility located in Chester, Ga.

“Zanders 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.” 

Zanders began his career with the Department in 1987 as a Correctional Officer at Central State Prison.  In 1993, Zanders was promoted to Sergeant at Telfair State Prison. In 1996, Zanders was promoted to Chief of Security at Macon State Prison.  Zanders has held the position of Chief of Security at Rogers, Milan, and Telfair State Prisons.  In 2011, Zanders was promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at Telfair State Prison, where he most recently served. 

Zanders earned an Associate’s degree in Sociology from Middle Georgia College, and both a Bachelor’s degree in Science and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Troy University.  During his career with the Department, Zanders has completed Basic Correctional Officer Training (BCOT), Basic Management Training (BMT), Advanced Management Training (AMT), and Executive Leadership Training.  

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.