The Georgia Department of Corrections has ushered in a new era of leadership within Burruss Correctional Training Center (BCTC) with the promotion of Chanel Samuel, previously the Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at the institution, to the role of Special Assistant to the Warden, a statement from Commissioner Tyrone Oliver revealed on Monday.
According to GDC, Commissioner Oliver expressed confidence in Samuel's capabilities, expressing in the announcement that "Chanel continually demonstrates a professional demeanor and has gained a wealth of correctional knowledge that will serve her well as she takes on her new role." He underlined her commitment to the institution's mission and commended her exceptional leadership skills, the promotion being a testament to these qualities as Samuel ascends to a position wherein she will oversee daily operations, manage staff, and manage offenders at BCTC starting July 16.
Samuel's journey through the ranks began in 2015 when she joined BCTC as a Correctional Officer, a role that laid the foundation of her correctional career. Her trajectory then veered towards specialties such as Behavioral Health Specialist II at the Metro Reentry Facility in 2017, and led her to serve as a Social Services Program Consultant in the Research, Evaluation, Assessment, and Development Unit in 2018, her experience diversifying with each role she undertook.
Her educational background is solid, with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Wilberforce University and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Colorado Technical University; Samuel further honed her skills through various departmental training programs, which include Executive Basic Correctional Officer Training, Supervision Training and the robust Deputy Warden’s Academy.
