New Superintendent at Valdosta Transitional Center

Commissioner: Timothy C. Ward

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Lenard Copenhaver Promoted

FORSYTH, Ga. – Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the promotion of Lenard Copenhaver to Superintendent at Valdosta Transitional Center (TC), effective September 1, 2021. As Superintendent, Copenhaver will be responsible for overseeing 33 staff members and 145 minimum-security male detainees.

“Copenhaver has been a dedicated employee with the agency for over twenty years,” said Commissioner Ward. “I am confident that his correctional knowledge will benefit the staff and residents at Valdosta Transitional Center.”

Copenhaver began his career with the Georgia Department of Corrections in 2000, as a Correctional Officer at Autry State Prison.  He transferred to the Thomasville Diversion Center in 2001 and in 2003, he was promoted to Chief of Security.  In 2005, Copenhaver served as the Business Manager at Thomasville Diversion Center and in 2008, transferred to Valdosta Transitional Center as Business Manager.  In 2016, he was promoted to Assistant Superintendent at Valdosta Transitional Center, and in 2020, he was promoted to Superintendent at Patten Probation Detention Center, where he currently serves.

Copenhaver received an associate degree in Computer Repair from Lansing Community College, and is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He has completed the following department training: Basic Correctional Officer Training, Basic Management Training, Advanced Governmental Accounting 1 & 2, and the Professional Management Program through Columbus State University. 

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 47,000 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