Georgia Department of Corrections
Brian Owens, Commissioner
Director of Public Affairs
Joan Heath
Contact: Office of Public Affairs (478) 992-5248
STATE OF GEORGIA
For Immediate Release
Georgia Department of Corrections Names New Assistant Commissioner
Timothy Ward Appointed
Forsyth - Commissioner Brian Owens announced the appointment of Timothy Ward as the Department’s new Assistant Commissioner effective June 16, 2011. In his duties as Assistant Commissioner, Ward will serve as the Commissioner’s appointed deputy, functioning as second-in-command of the Department. Ward assumes responsibility for the overall administration and operation of the agency in the Commissioner’s absence or as directed by the Commissioner.
“Tim has worked his way up through the ranks since joining the Department 19 years ago,” said Commissioner Brian Owens. “His knowledge of Corrections and dedication to the field will serve him well as Assistant Commissioner,” added Owens.
Ward began his career with the Department in 1992 as a Correctional Officer at Scott State Prison. He has also served as Counselor, Chief Counselor, Superintendent, Warden and most recently Director of Facility Operations. Ward earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Savannah State University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Columbus State University. He also holds executive and correctional officer certifications from the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council. Ward is a native of Dawson, 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 13,000 employees.
###