New Warden at Baldwin State Prison

Commissioner: Timothy C. Ward

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Walter Berry Promoted

FORSYTH, Ga. – Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the promotion of Walter Berry to Warden at Baldwin State Prison (SP), effective December 1, 2020. As Warden, Berry will be responsible for overseeing 248 staff at the facility and approximately 981 medium-security male offenders.

“Berry is a dedicated employee with 27 years of leadership experience,” said Commissioner Timothy C. Ward. “We are confident that his vast knowledge of corrections will serve him well as Warden at Baldwin State Prison.”

Berry began his career with the Department in 1993 as a Correctional Officer (CO) at Scott State Prison. In 1995, he transferred to Dooly State Prison (SP) as a CO II. During his tenure at Dooly SP, Berry was promoted through the ranks to Sergeant, CERT Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Unit Manager, and Deputy Warden of Care & Treatment. In 2012, he was promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at Dooly SP.  In 2014, he was promoted to Warden at Central State Prison, and 2016, he was reassigned to Autry State Prison.  In 2020, he was assigned as Private Prison Monitor at Riverbend Correctional facility, where he currently serves. 

Berry earned a Bachelor’s degree in Justice Studies from Grand Canyon University and Master’s degree in Public Administration from Columbus State University.  Berry has completed the following departmental training: Basic Correctional Officer’s Training, Basic Management Training, Correctional Leadership Institute, Professional Management Program, Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment Training, Warden’s Pre-Command Academy, and Deputy Warden of Security Academy. Berry retired from the United States Air Force in 2008 after serving 16 years on Active Duty and four years in the Air Force Reserves.

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 http://gdc.georgia.gov.