New Special Assistant to the Warden at Burruss Correctional Training Center

Chanel Samuel Promoted

FORSYTH, Ga. –  The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of Chanel Samuel, Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at Burruss Correctional Training Center (BCTC), to Special Assistant to the Warden at BCTC, effective July 16, 2025. As Special Assistant to the Warden, Samuel will be assisting the Warden with the daily operations of the facility and management of staff and offenders.

"Chanel continually demonstrates a professional demeanor and has gained a wealth of correctional knowledge that will serve her well as she takes on her new role," said Commissioner Tyrone Oliver. "We are confident in her dedication to the mission and in her exceptional leadership skills.”

Samuel began her career with the Department in 2015 as a Correctional Officer at Burruss Correctional Training Center. In 2017, she transferred to Metro Reentry Facility as a Behavioral Health Specialist II, and in 2018, she transferred to the Research, Evaluation, Assessment and Development Unit as a Social Services Program Consultant.  Samuel was promoted to Assistant Superintendent of West Central Integrated Treatment Facility in 2020. In 2021, she was promoted to Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at BCTC, where she currently serves.

Samuel obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Wilberforce University and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Colorado Technical University.  Her departmental training consists of Executive Basic Correctional Officer Training, Basic Management Training, Supervision Training, Initial Correctional Counselor Training, POST Instructor Training, Deputy Warden’s Academy, and Wardens Pre-Command.

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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 .