News Release - April 29, 2007
Georgia Department of Corrections
James E. Donald, Commissioner
Director of Public Information
Susan Phillips
Contact: Office of Public Affairs (404) 656-9772
For Immediate Release
New Corrections Division Director Named
30 Year GDC Veteran Harris Hodges Appointed
ATLANTA–Corrections Commissioner James E. Donald announced the appointment of Harris Hodges as the new Corrections Division Director for the Georgia Department of Corrections. He will assume his new appointment effective July 1, 2008. Hodges will oversee statewide corrections facilities and their operations, including 120 state, county, and private prisons and 120 probation offices; nearly 60,000 inmates and over 150,000 probationers. The Corrections Division is one of three divisions in the Department of Corrections, the other two being the Administration Division and the Operations, Planning and Training Division. Hodges replaces Arnold R. DePetro, who is retiring after 34 years of service with the Department.
“The wealth of knowledge and professionalism possessed by Harris is exemplary,” said Commissioner James E. Donald. “He has shown an undying dedication to his profession and exhibited excellent leadership qualities over the years.”
Hodges has been with the Department of Corrections for 30 years and has served as a Probation Officer, Training Director, Facilities Division Deputy Director, Operations Division Deputy Director, and most recently he was the Administration Division Director.
Hodges completed his undergraduate studies at Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and he has his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Columbus University. He is a Certified Public Manager, and has completed the Correction’s Leadership Institute and the Governor’s Executive Leadership Institute. Harris and his wife Susan have three adult children and reside in Conyers, Georgia.
The Department of Corrections is the fifth largest prison system in the United States and is responsible for supervising nearly 60,000 state prisoners and over 150,000 probationers. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 15,000 employees..
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