Commissioner: Homer Bryson

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Walter Berry reassigned

FORSYTH, Ga. – Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Homer Bryson announced the reassignment of Walter Berry to Warden at Autry State Prison, effective October 1, 2016. As Warden, Berry will be responsible for overseeing approximately 253 staff members and 1,568 medium security male offenders.

“Walter has done a great job as Warden at Central State Prison and we look forward to his continued leadership at Autry State Prison,” said Commissioner Bryson.  “He will be a great benefit to the staff and inmates.”

Berry began his career with the Department in 1993 as a Correctional Officer at Scott State Prison. In 1995, Berry was transferred to Dooly State Prison (SP) as a Correctional Officer II. 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 and in 2014, he was promoted to Warden at Central State Prison.

Berry earned a Bachelor’s degree in Justice Studies from Grand Canyon University and is currently attending Command College to obtain a Master’s in Public Administration.  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 52,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees.

For more information on the GDC call 478-992-5248 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.