New Field Operations Manager of Southeast Area Named

Commissioner : Brian Owens

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Robert Toole Promoted

FORSYTH, Ga. —Commissioner Brian Owens announced the promotion of Robert Toole as Field Operations Manager of the Southeast Area, effective January 1, 2015. As Field Operations Manager, Toole will provide operational guidance, coaching and mentoring to the Wardens and Superintendents under his jurisdiction.

“Robert has worked his way up through the ranks in the Department,” said Commissioner Brian Owens. “His experience and knowledge will serve him well as he assumes his new role. 

Toole began his career with the Department in 1996 as a Correctional Officer at Smith State Prison. In 2000, Toole transferred to Telfair State Prison and served as a Counselor.  While at Telfair, Toole was promoted to Counselor II in 2003, and promoted to Chief Counselor in 2005. In 2006, Toole was promoted to Unit Manager at Milan State Prison and in 2008, he was promoted to Superintendent at Milan State Prison. In April 2010, Toole was selected to serve as the Deputy Director over Compliance and Audits. In September 2010, he was promoted to Warden of Wilcox State Prison.  Toole has held the position of Warden at Ware State Prison in 2012 and Georgia State Prison in 2013, where he most recently served.

Toole has a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Georgia Southern University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Columbus State University. During his career with the Department he has completed Basic Correctional Officer Training (BCOT), Basic Management Training (BMT), Corrections Leadership Institute (CLI), Pre-Command College and Command College.

The GDC has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 55,000 state prisoners and more than 160,000 probationers. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 12,000 employees.

For more information on the GDC call 478-992-5247 or visit http://www.dcor.state.ga.us.