Commissioner : Gregory C. Dozier

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Betty McGrew recognized

FORSYTH, Ga. - The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) honored Betty McGrew as Supervisor of the Year at the 13th Annual GDC Awards ceremony on August 8 at GDC headquarters in Forsyth, Ga.

“Betty has raised the bar in terms of facility management,” said Assistant Commissioner of Facilities Ricky Myrick. “She constantly goes above and beyond the call of duty, and demonstrates and leads by example.”

The award is presented to a Sergeant, Lieutenant, Chief of Security, Unit Manager, Deputy Warden, or Warden employed by the GDC. The recipient must promote the ONE TEAM concept by continuously working with different departments/divisions/units for a common goal, encourage and maintain positive relationships with staff and other departments in the facility, make a notable impact on the security and operation of the facility and/or agency as a whole, support and actively work to successfully implement Criminal Justice Reform initiatives within the facility, and demonstrates first-rate knowledge of inmate behaviors to maintain security and safety within the facility.

In the early months of 2016, McGrew was diagnosed with a terminal illness, which is now in remission. Even though she was not physically able to come to the facility on a daily basis, she was consistently involved in the operation of the institution. She kept her finger on the pulse of the facility and made sure staff had the resources they needed to get the job done. McGrew overcame adversity and returned to work, and continues to go beyond her expected job duties, staying late, and visiting hospital to check on admissions and their respective officers. She also volunteers in the community by working with Concerned Women, Inc. and Restoration Ministries International.

Several key officials were on hand for the ceremony, which was attended by more than 250 guests. Making the award presentation with Commissioner Greg Dozier were State Senator Tyler Harper, Board of Corrections member Christopher Clark, Chief of Staff Timothy C. Ward, Assistant Commissioners Ricky Myrick, Scott Poitevint, Jay Sanders, Randy Sauls, and Director of Professional Development Terry Edge and Director of Professional Standards Clay Nix.

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.