The Georgia Department of Corrections recently announced a new addition to their team at Riverbend Correctional Facility - Sonja Brown, who is stepping in as the Private Prison Monitor starting September 1, 2025. Holding the position means Brown will be tasked with the hefty responsibility of ensuring the private prison meets all contractual obligations, emphasizing on critical issues such as sanitation, safety, and security within the facility.
"Sonja has an immense amount of experience in a variety of correctional roles," Commissioner Tyrone Oliver said, signaling an air of confidence in her ability to uphold the integrity of Riverbend CF. According to the Georgia Department of Corrections, Brown's extensive history in corrections and her educational background in criminal justice and public administration make her a fitting candidate for the monitor role.
Beginning her career in 1997 as a Correctional Officer at Wrightsville Youth Detention Center, Brown advanced through the ranks. Her experience spans from counseling to medical unit management, indicative of a trajectory marked by commitment and disciplinary advancement. In 2023, she was named Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at McRae Women's Facility, a role she has occupied until her latest promotion.
Brown holds a master's in public administration with a Specialization in Criminal Justice from Walden University and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a Minor in Psychology from Mercer University. Her departmental training includes, but are not limited to, Basic Correctional Officer Training, Corrections Leadership Institute, and POST Instructor Training. It's evident that these qualifications and her years of service have equipped her with the knowledge and perspective needed to take on her new role at Riverbend CF.
