Commissioner: Gregory C. Dozier

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Benjamin Ford Promoted

FORSYTH, Ga. – Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier announced the promotion of Benjamin Ford, Warden at Calhoun State Prison to Warden at Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison (GDCP), effective October 1st. As the Warden, Ford will be responsible for overseeing approximately 500 staff members and 2,700 close security male offenders.

“Mr. Ford has been with the agency for over 30 years, and in that time has gained the knowledge and know-how to lead GDCP with the confidence needed to meet our critical mission to protect the public, by operating a secure and safe facility,” said Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier.

Ford began his career with the GDC in 1985 as a Correctional Officer at Lee State Prison (SP). During his tenure with the agency, he was promoted to Sergeant Albany Transitional Center (TC), Lieutenant at Calhoun SP and Chief of Security at Albany TC. In 1999, Ford was promoted to Superintendent at Thomasville Diversion Center and the following year, was selected to start-up Bainbridge Probation Substance Abuse Treatment Center. Ford returned to the GDC in 2014, from serving in the army, as the Corrections Special Assistant to the Warden at Calhoun SP and in 2015, was reassigned as the Special Assistant to the Warden at Autry State Prison. In June 2015, Ford was promoted to Warden at Burruss Correctional Training Center. He has served as Warden at Calhoun State Prison since 2016.

Ford holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a master’s degree in Management and Leadership. He is a graduate of the United States Army Sergeant Major Academy and has completed Emergency Management Training. Ford has been certified in Basic Correctional Officer Training, Basic Management Training, Correctional Leadership Institute, Advanced Management Training, Georgia Management and Leadership and Wardens and Chief Pre-Command Course.

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.