New Deputy Warden of Administration at Autry State Prison

Tanja Copeland Promoted

FORSYTH, Ga. – Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of Tanja Copeland, Unit Manager at the Helms Facility, to Deputy Warden of Administration at Autry SP, effective June 16, 2024. As Deputy Warden, Copeland will be responsible for managing the facility's business office, property and supply operations, and food service department. 

"Tanja brings with her a wealth of correctional knowledge," said Commissioner Tyrone Oliver. "We look forward to seeing her excel as she takes on her new role managing the business operations at Autry SP."

Copeland began her correctional career with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services in 1994, where she held multiple positions, including Mail Room/File Clerk, Corrections Case Manager, Unit Manager, and Unit Administrator, during her nineteen-year career. In 2009, Copeland joined the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) as a Unit Manager at the Metro Regional Youth Detention Center. During her tenure with DJJ, she was promoted through the ranks of Facility Director, Associate Director of Programs, Associate Director of Security, and Juvenile Court Officer. In 2025, Copeland began her career with the GDC as a Unit Manager at the Helms Facility, where she currently serves. 

Copeland holds a bachelor's degree in psychology with dual minors in Spanish and History from the University of Nebraska and a master’s in business administration from Ohio Christian University. She attended the National Institute of Corrections Leadership Training, Basic Juvenile Correctional Officer Training, Correctional Officer Training, and National Incident Management Training, which was provided through FEMA, and is a member of the American Correctional Association.

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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 50,000 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.