New Deputy Director of Field Operations Named

Commissioner: Tyrone Oliver

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Benjamin Ford Promoted

FORSYTH, Ga. – Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of Benjamin Ford, Southwest Regional Director, to Deputy Director of Field Operations, effective July 1, 2023.  Ford will assist in the oversight of daily operations of all state facilities.

“The dedication and exceptional leadership Ben has shown throughout his career has been a tremendous asset to the GDC team,” said Commissioner Oliver. “We are confident he will excel in this new role as he continues to exhibit our values of integrity, dedication and accountability.”

Ford began his career with the GDC in 1985 as a Correctional Officer at Lee State Prison (SP). During his tenure with the agency, he was promoted to Sergeant Albany Transitional Center (TC), Lieutenant at Calhoun SP and Chief of Security at Albany TC. In 1999, Ford was promoted to Superintendent at Thomasville Diversion Center and the following year was selected to start-up Bainbridge Probation Substance Abuse Treatment Center. Following his service in the U.S. Army, Ford returned to the GDC in 2014 as the Corrections Special Assistant to the Warden at Calhoun SP and in 2015, was reassigned as the Special Assistant to the Warden at Autry State Prison. In June 2015, Ford was promoted to Warden at Burruss Correctional Training Center, followed by a promotion in 2016 to Warden at Calhoun State Prison. In 2018 he was promoted to Warden at Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison, and in 2022 he was promoted to Southwest Regional Director, where he currently serves.

Ford holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in management and leadership. He is a graduate of the United States Army Sergeant Major Academy and has completed Emergency Management Training. Ford has been certified in Basic Correctional Officer Training, Basic Management Training, Correctional Leadership Institute, Advanced Management Training, Georgia Management and Leadership, and Wardens and Chief Pre-Command Courses.

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 https://www.gdc.ga.gov .