New Warden at Valdosta State Prison

Commissioner: Tyrone Oliver

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Ralph Shropshire Promoted

FORSYTH, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of Ralph Shropshire to Warden at Valdosta State Prison (SP) effective March 1, 2023. As Warden, Shropshire will be responsible for overseeing 416 staff and 1,186 medium and close security offenders.

"Ralph has demonstrated his commitment and leadership skills in each position he has held while serving the state at GDC," said Commissioner Tyrone Oliver. "We know he will excel in continuing to uphold the mission in his new position at Valdosta SP.”

Shropshire began his career with the GDC in 2006 as a Correctional Officer at Hays SP. In 2007, he joined the Correctional Emergency Response Team (CERT) where he was a member until he was promoted to Sergeant in 2009.  Shropshire was promoted to Lieutenant in 2013, to Captain in 2015 and to Unity Manager in 2017. In 2019, he was promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at Valdosta SP.

Shropshire has completed the following departmental training: Basic Correctional Officer Training, Effective Communication, Mental Health Training, Basic Management Training, Advanced Management Training, Supervision I, II, and III, Management I, II and III, and Deputy Warden's 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.