Commissioner: Timothy C. Ward

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Lance Brantley Promoted 

FORSYTH, Ga. — The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the promotion of Dr. Lance Brantley to Southwest regional principal effective March 1, 2019. In this role, Brantley will be responsible for implementing evidence-based education practices within the southwest region facilities.

“Brantley’s many years of educational experience and knowledge will greatly benefit our offenders and staff,” Ward said. “We are confident that through his leadership the southwest region will continue to excel.”

Prior to joining the GDC, Brantley served as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal and director of student achievement in the K-12 public school setting. Brantley began his career with GDC in 2015 as a manager and in 2016 was promoted to an Instructor at Smith State Prison, where he currently serves.

Brantley earned his Associate of Science Degree in chemistry from Waycross College and his Bachelor of Science Degree in secondary science education with an emphasis in biology at Georgia Southern University. He also completed his master’s degree, education specialist degree, and doctorate degree in educational leadership at Valdosta State University.

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.