Commissioner: Gregory C. Dozier

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Theresa Lindsey-Thornton promoted

FORSYTH, Ga. – Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier announced the promotion of Theresa Lindsey-Thornton to Deputy Warden of Care & Treatment at Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison (GDCP) effective April 1, 2017. Lindsey-Thornton will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of medical, mental health, education and counseling services at the facility housing over 2,140 diagnostic and close security male offenders located in Jackson, GA.

“Theresa has dedicated 19 years to the agency, working her way up from Correctional Officer to her new assignment as Deputy Warden,” said Commissioner Dozier. “We are excited to have her join the team at GDCP, and look forward to the knowledge and experience she brings with her.”

Lindsey-Thornton began her career with the Department in 1998 as a Correctional Officer at Phillips State Prison.  In 2001, she was promoted to Sergeant at Phillips State Prison, and in 2002, she transferred to the Communications Center as the Agency TAC (Terminal Agency Coordinator). In 2004, she transferred to Clayton Transitional Center as Sergeant, and later that same year, transferred to Laramore PDC in the same capacity. In 2005, Lindsey-Thornton was promoted to Lieutenant at Phillips State Prison.  She transferred to Offender Administration as a Processor in 2006, and was promoted to Unit Manager of Offender Processing-Admissions in 2012. In 2013, Lindsey-Thornton was promoted to Deputy Director of Offender Administration, where she currently serves.

Lindsey-Thornton has completed the following departmental training: Basic Correctional Officer Training (BCOT), POST Instructor Training, Basic Management Training (BMT), Professional Management Program (PMP), Mental Health Training, Advanced Management Training (AMT), and Corrections Leadership Institute (CLI).

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.