Commissioner: Gregory C. Dozier

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Grace Atchison Promoted

FORSYTH, Ga. – Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier announced the promotion of Grace Atchison to Statewide PREA Coordinator effective September 16, 2017. Atchison will serve as liaison in all matters associated with the National Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) and subsequent U.S. Department of Justice Final Rule of 2012. In addition, she will provide consultation, guidance, and assistance to facilities staff.  

“Grace has already displayed great leadership skills and knowledge of PREA standards as acting Statewide Coordinator,” said Commissioner Dozier. “We are confident in her ability to guide facility operations toward full PREA compliance and assist with corrective actions for non-compliant areas.”

Atchison began her career with GDC, in 2000, as a Counseling Secretary at Scott State Prison (SP). While employed at Scott SP, she served as Education Clerk, Warden’s Secretary, and Operations Analyst Technician. In 2012, she was promoted to a Developmental Assignment with the Facilities Operations Division. In 2016, she transferred to the Office of Professional Standards Compliance Unit as acting Statewide PREA Coordinator, where she most recently served.

Atchison earned an Associate’s degree in Secondary Education at Georgia Military College and a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Georgia College and State University. She is a member of the Statewide Sexual Assault Response Team Expert Committee and the American Correctional Association.

About the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC)

The Georgia Department of Corrections (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 478-992-5247 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.