New Warden at Washington State Prison

Commissioner: Timothy C. Ward

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Karl Fort Promoted

FORSYTH, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the promotion of Karl Fort to Warden at Washington State Prison (SP) effective July 1, 2020. As Warden, Fort is responsible for overseeing approximately 250 staff members and 1,548 medium-security male offenders.

“With more than 25 years of service to GDC, Fort has demonstrated outstanding leadership skills,” said Commissioner Ward. “We are confident his wealth of experience and commitment to public safety will prove to be an asset in managing the operation of Washington SP.”

Fort began working with the GDC in 1993 as a Correctional Officer at Hancock (SP) and 1996 he was promoted to CERT Sergeant. In 2007, he became Chief of Security at Wilkes Pre-Release Center and promoted to Superintendent in 2010.  Fort has served as Deputy Warden of Security at Washington SP since 2011.

Fort has obtained an Associate’s of Science in Law Enforcement from Thomas University and a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies with a concentration in Criminal Justice from Southern New Hampshire University. He has completed Basic Correctional Officer Training, Basic Management Training, the Professional Management Program through Columbus State University, Advanced Management Training, Wardens Pre-Command, and the Corrections Leadership Institute (CLI).

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 50,000 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.