New Warden at Smith State Prison

Commissioner: Tyrone Oliver

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Jacob Beasley Reassigned

FORSYTH, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the reassignment of Jacob Beasley to Warden at Smith State Prison (SP) effective March 1, 2023. As Warden, Beasley will be responsible for overseeing 490 security staff at the facility and approximately 1,562 close-security male offenders.

"Jacob has been a dedicated leader in each position he has held," said Commissioner Tyrone Oliver. "I have confidence in his commitment and dedication to the mission, and in his ability to ensure staff integrity and safe facility operations are paramount as he takes on his role at Smith SP.”

Beasley began his career with the GDC in 2007 as a Correctional Officer at Rogers SP and was promoted to Sergeant in 2009. In 2012, he was promoted to Lieutenant at Telfair SP, and to Unit Manager in 2014. After a brief separation from the department, Beasley returned to Telfair SP as a Sergeant in 2016 and was subsequently promoted to Lieutenant. In 2017, he was promoted to Chief of Security at Valdosta SP and to Deputy Warden of Security at Hays SP in 2018. In 2019, Beasley was reassigned to Deputy Warden of Security at Telfair SP, followed by a reassignment to Acting Warden at Valdosta SP in 2022. That same year, Beasley was promoted to Warden at Valdosta SP where he currently serves. 

Beasley has completed Basic Correctional Officer Training, Basic Management Training, Sergeant’s Academy, Deputy Warden’s Academy and Warden’s Pre-Command. 

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.