New Deputy Warden of Security at the Special Management Unit

Shavari Reynolds Promoted

FORSYTH, Ga. –  The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of Shavari Reynolds, Unit Manager at the Special Management Unit (SMU), to Deputy Warden of Security at the SMU, effective April 16, 2026. As Deputy Warden of Security, Reynolds will be responsible for overseeing security staff members and male offenders.

“Shavari has gained a wealth of knowledge during her tenure with the agency,” said Commissioner Oliver. “We are confident that she will continue to lead with integrity as takes on her new role as Deputy Warden of Security at the SMU.”

Reynolds began her career with the GDC in 2013 at Burruss Correctional Training Center (BCTC) as a Correctional Officer, and in 2016 she transferred to the Georgia Department of Community Supervision where she served as a Probation/Parole Officer. In 2019, she returned to BCTC as a Behavioral Health Counselor I, and in 2021, she transferred to the SMU. Later that year, she was promoted to Behavioral Health Counselor III, and in 2024, she was promoted to Unit Manager, where she currently serves. 

Reynolds holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Talladega College. Her departmental training consists of Basic Correctional Officer Training, Initial Correctional Counselor Training, Chief Counselor Training, and Supervision I. 

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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.