Calandra Watson Promoted

FORSYTH, Ga. –  The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of Calandra Watson, Assistant Superintendent at Bacon Probation Detention Center (PDC)/Transitional Center (TC), to Superintendent at Bacon PDC/TC, effective July 16, 2025. As Superintendent, Watson will be responsible for overseeing staff and supervising male residents.

"Calandra has been a dedicated team member who consistently leads by example," said Commissioner Tyrone Oliver. "We look forward to her continued dedication and leadership as she takes on her new role as Superintendent."

Watson began her career with the department in 2001 as a Correctional Officer at Ware State Prison (SP). During her tenure at Ware SP, she was promoted to Maintenance Secretary and Business Manager. In 2018, she was promoted to Administrative Support Supervisor at Bacon PDC, and in 2021, she was promoted to Assistant Superintendent at Bacon PDC/TC, where she currently serves.  

Watson received her Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from Valdosta State University and her Master's in Public Administration from Strayer University. Her departmental training consists of Basic Correctional Officer Training, Georgia Certified Purchasing Association Certification through DOAS, Supervision I, II, and III, Governmental Accounting through the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, Assistant Superintendent Training, Management I, II, and III, and Initial Correctional Counselor Training.

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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 .

Contact

Director of Communications Joan Heath

[email protected]