The Georgia Department of Corrections recently announced a new shift in leadership at the Whitworth Women's Facility. Taking the reins as warden, Lisa Thompson, who comes with an extensive 25-year history with the GDC, is set to take on the role starting January 16, 2026. In a statement made by the Georgia Department of Corrections, Commissioner Tyrone Oliver expressed confidence in Thompson's capabilities, citing her "dedicated and dependable leader."
Thompson's career began as a Counselor at Telfair State Prison back in 2000, and since then, she has steadily climbed through the ranks of the GDC. Her experience spans various roles, each strengthening her leadership and correctional knowledge. She is now set to deeply oversee all staff members and female offenders at Whitworth Women's Facility. "Lisa has been a dedicated and dependable leader in each position she has held during her 25 years as part of the GDC team," said Commissioner Oliver, as noted by the GDC. "We are confident in her leadership skills and correctional knowledge as she takes on this new role at Whitworth WF."
The newly appointed warden holds a bachelor's degree in human services from Mercer University and has completed a comprehensive list of departmental training sessions. These programs include Basic Management Training, Advanced Management Training, and corrections-specific leadership institutes. Thompson's training and qualifications evidently have to equip her to navigate the complexities of operating a correctional facility.
Thompson's prior roles within the GDC have demonstrated her ability to steadily adapt and lead with increasing levels of responsibility. Before her promotion to warden, she held the position of Superintendent at Bleckley RSAT, having been promoted there in 2018. It is this consistent advancement and dedication that likely made her the choice to now lead Whitworth Women’s Facility. According to her department's announcement, her training consists of Basic Correctional Officer Training, Assistant Superintendent Training, Corrections Leadership Institute, and various levels of supervision and management, culminating in Warden’s Pre-Command.
