2019 GCI Employee of the Year Named

Commissioner : Timothy C. Ward

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Billy Thigpen recognized

FORSYTH, Ga. –  The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) honored Billy Thigpen of Georgia Correctional Industries (GCI), with the GCI Employee of the Year Award at the 15th Annual GDC Awards ceremony on September 24 at GDC headquarters in Forsyth, Ga.  Several key officials were on hand for the ceremony, which were attended by more than 400 guests. Making the award presentation with Commissioner Timothy C. Ward was Alton Russell, Board of Corrections Chairman, Christopher Clark and Donnie Pope, Board of Corrections, and Chris Tiller, GCI Executive Director.

“Billy exemplifies our philosophy that ‘Excellence Drives Our Success’ and that we provide rehabilitation through innovation,” said GCI Executive Director Chris Tiller.  “His integrity and work ethic, along with his dedication and commitment to GCI, surpasses our expectations and embodies the characteristics necessary to meet the mission of GCI.”  

Thigpen began his 22-year career with GCI in August 1997 at the Telfair Tag Plant as a Supervisor 1 and has been promoted through the ranks in various positions. Throughout his years at Telfair, GCI management recognized Billy's ability to embrace change and adapt to new challenges; consistently displaying high levels of integrity and dependability.  Thigpen’s integrity and work ethic, along with his dedication and commitment to GCI, surpasses expectations and embodies the characteristics necessary to meet the mission of GCI. He truly exemplifies the philosophy that ‘Excellence Drives Our Success’ and that GCI provides ‘Rehabilitation Through Innovation.’

The award recognizes innovative employees who have undertaken initiatives that have enhanced the effectiveness or efficiency of GDC and/or Georgia Correctional Industries (GCI). The recipient of this award has made a significant and positive impact on the agency’s operating or business processes.

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.