New Facilities Regional Operations Coordinator at Riverbend Correctional Facility

Rodney Gardner Promoted

FORSYTH, Ga. –  The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of Rodney Gardner, Deputy Warden of Security at Baldwin State Prison (SP), to Regional Operations Coordinator at Riverbend Correctional Facility (CF), effective September 1, 2026. As Regional Operations Coordinator, Gardner will be responsible for monitoring the facility's operations to ensure that all contract conditions are met and the facility operates with a continuous focus on sanitation, safety, and security.

"Rodney has gained a wealth of correctional knowledge during his tenure with the agency," said Commissioner Tyrone Oliver. "We are confident that knowledge will serve him well as he takes on his new role as Facilities Regional Operations Coordinator, ensuring the mission is carried out with the highest of standards."

Gardner began his career with the Department as a Correctional Officer at Baldwin SP. During his tenure at Baldwin SP, he rose through the ranks of Correctional Officer II, Correctional Emergency Response Team (CERT) member, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. In 2020, he was promoted to Chief of Security at Central SP, and in 2021, he was promoted to Unit Manager. In 2023, he was promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at Baldwin SP, where he currently serves.

Gardner holds a certificate and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Columbus State University. His departmental training consists of Basic Correctional Officer Training, Special Operations Training, Supervision I, II, and III, Management I, II, and III, Mental Health Training, Deputy Warden’s Academy, and Warden’s 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 https://www.gdc.georgia.gov.