The Georgia Department of Corrections has announced that Latera Davis is stepping in as the new Assistant Commissioner of Inmate Services, a role made vacant by the retirement of Jay Sanders. Starting yesterday, Davis is tasked with the responsibility for various rehabilitative programs within the GDC, according to a press release issued recently. These programs include Academic Education, Career, Technical and High Education, Chaplaincy Services, Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Centers, and Reentry Services designed to assist the offender population.
Commissioner Tyrone Oliver praised Davis's impressive resume, optimistically commenting to the Georgia Department of Corrections, "Latera brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will serve her well in her new role. We look forward to supporting her as she leads and guides efforts to provide offenders with meaningful opportunities for rehabilitation." Oliver's statement underscores the department's confidence in Davis's ability to positively impact the department's rehabilitation initiatives.
Prior to her new appointment, Davis had to steadily climb through several rungs of the criminal justice system. Her journey began in 1998 at the Department of Juvenile Justice, highlighted by roles in planning, coordination, and as Legislator Liaison, compiling a wide range of experience with juvenile offenders. Later, Davis served in a senior capacity as Deputy Commissioner of the Division of Professional Development and Standards, a role in which she was responsible for overseeing statewide initiatives in professional development, compliance, victim, and volunteer services, as well as emergency management operations.
In addition to her real-world expertise, Davis's educational background is a blend of social work and public administration. She is not only a licensed clinical social worker but also carries certifications as a child forensic interviewer, grant writer, victim advocate, PREA auditor, and she is POST certified. Davis earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Georgia, a Master of Public Administration from Kennesaw State University, and her undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from Georgia State University, thereby amassing a formidable arsenal of credentials to prepare her for the demanding role of Assistant Commissioner of Inmate Services, as detailed by the GDC release.
