The Georgia Department of Corrections has a new face at the helm of Burruss Correctional Training Center. Chanel Samuel, who was serving as Special Assistant to the Warden, has been appointed as the new Warden of the facility, with her tenure commencing on January 16, 2026. As reported by GDC, Samuel's promotion was announced by Commissioner Tyrone Oliver, acknowledging her invaluable contributions and expressing confidence in her capabilities.
"Chanel’s leadership and strong work ethic have consistently proven to be invaluable to the agency," Oliver said on GDC, crediting Samuel's proven track record. Tasked with the oversight of about 742 male offenders and all staff members at the BCTC, her new role entails significant responsibility. According to her professional journey, as outlined by GDC, Samuel has risen through the ranks of the GDC since her start in 2015 as a Correctional Officer at BCTC.
In subsequent years, Samuel has acquired a diverse experience within the system, transferring to the Metro Reentry Facility as a Behavioral Health Specialist II in 2017, and moving on to serve as a Social Services Program Consultant in 2018 at the Research, Evaluation, Assessment, and Development Unit. Her career trajectory continued upward with a promotion to Assistant Superintendent of the West Central Integrated Treatment Facility in 2020, Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at BCTC the following year, and finally to her most recent position, which she obtained right before being promoted to Warden.
Her qualifications don't just stop at practical experience; Chanel also boasts academic achievements with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Wilberforce University and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Colorado Technical University. The culmination of her departmental training comprises several programs, including Executive Basic Correctional Officer Training, Supervision Training, and the Wardens Pre-Command, all which have prepared her for this new leadership role at BCTC, as detailed by GDC.
