New Warden at Phillips State Prison

Commissioner: Timothy C. Ward

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Deshawn Jones Reassigned

FORSYTH, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the reassignment of Deshawn Jones to Warden at Phillips State Prison (SP), effective July 1, 2022, following the retirement of his predecessor J. Kevin Perry. As Warden, Jones will be responsible for overseeing all staff members and approximately 800 close security male offenders.

"Jones has consistently demonstrated his commitment to carrying out the GDC mission in each role he has had held with the agency," said Commissioner Timothy C. Ward. "We look forward to his continued growth and leadership in his new role at Phillips SP."

Jones began his career with the Department in 2006 as a Correctional Officer at Lee Arrendale State Prison (LASP). During his tenure at LASP, he was placed on the Correctional Emergency Response Team (CERT) and was promoted through the ranks of Sergeant, CERT Commander, Assistant Commander of the Statewide Honor Guard, Lieutenant, and Diagnostic Director. In 2016, he was promoted to Assistant Superintendent at Lee Arrendale Transitional Center, and in 2018 he was promoted to Superintendent at Atlanta Transitional Center. In 2020, Jones was promoted to Warden at Rutledge SP, where he currently serves.

Jones is currently pursuing his bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. He has completed the following departmental training: Basic Correctional Officer Training, CERT Basic Training, Sergeants Academy, Basic Management Training, Professional Management Program through Columbus State University, POST Instructor Training, Effective Communication Training, Deputy Warden's Academy, Warden's Pre-Command Academy, Leadership GDC, and National Honor Guard Academy.

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 47,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 9,000 employees. For more information on the GDC, call 478-992-5247 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.