New Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at Central State Prison

Lachaka McKenzie Promoted

FORSYTH, Ga. –  The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of Lachaka McKenzie, Unit Manager at Central State Prison (SP) to Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at Central SP effective May 1, 2025. As Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment, McKenzie will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of educational programs, health services, library services, counseling programs, recreational services, and the mental health services of male offenders at the facility.

“Lachaka has been a devoted team member for twenty years and has consistently displayed a strong work ethic,” said Commissioner Tyrone Oliver. “We are confident she will continue to excel as she takes the next steps in her professional career.”

McKenzie began her career with the GDC in 2005 as a Correctional Officer at Macon SP. In 2007, she was promoted to Counselor at Dooly SP, and in 2010, she transferred back to Macon SP as a Counselor. In 2016, McKenzie was promoted to Chief Counselor at Macon SP, and later that year she was promoted to Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at Macon SP. In 2023, she transferred to Central SP as a Unit Manager, where she currently serves.  

McKenzie earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Fort Valley State University and a master’s in administration of justice security from the University of Phoenix. She is also a certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor. McKenzie has completed the following departmental training: Basic Correctional Officer Training (BCOT), Basic Counselor Training, Basic Management Training, Supervision I, II, and III, the Addiction Certification Program, Hostage Negotiation Training, and Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment Academy.

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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 approximately 49,000 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 http://www.gdc.ga.gov .