New Assistant Superintendent at Helms Facility

Commissioner: Timothy C. Ward

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Laura Scott-Gist Promoted

FORSYTH, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the promotion of Laura Scott-Gist to Assistant Superintendent at the Helms Facility effective October 1, 2021. As Assistant Superintendent, Scott-Gist will be responsible for assisting the Superintendent with daily operations of the facility, overseeing staff, and supervising 65 male and female offenders.

"Scott-Gist brings with her a wealth of criminal justice knowledge," said Commissioner Timothy C. Ward. "We are confident she will prove to be an asset to the staff and offenders at Helms Facility."

Prior to beginning her career with the agency, Scott-Gist served in various government and state roles ranging from Assistant Director of Programs with the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice to Program Director with Clayton County Mental Health Court and Program Director with Clayton County District Attorney’s Office.  She began her career with GDC in 2017 as a Training and Development Coordinator for the Professional Development Program in Engineering and Construction, where she currently serves. 

Scott-Gist holds a Master of Science from Valdosta State University and a Bachelor of Arts from Georgia State University. Her departmental training consists of Mental Health Training, Report Writing, and Sex Offender Training.

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.