Charles Mason has been appointed as the new Warden and Corrections Department Director for Athens-Clarke County Unified Government, according to a May 18 announcement. Mason steps into the role immediately after serving as Deputy Warden since August 2015 and holding several interim warden positions over the past two years.
Manager Bob Cowell said that Mason brings significant experience and leadership to the position. “Charles has provided steady leadership during several interim warden roles in the last few years and his deputy warden role for more than a decade,” said Cowell. “He has also continued to expand his knowledge and leadership skills through a variety of professional education and certification programs during his time here. With his strong qualifications and experience, Charles will serve the department, the residents under its care, and the entire Athens-Clarke County community exceptionally well in his new role.”
Mason previously worked at Muscogee County Prison in Columbus, Georgia from 1997 until 2015 before joining Athens-Clarke County. He holds both a bachelor’s degree in criminal science and a Master of Public Administration from Columbus State University. In addition, he is a graduate of both the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College and Combined Deputy Warden’s Academy, with multiple certifications including supervisory, managerial, advanced certificates from Georgia Peace Officer Standards & Training Council (POST), as well as instructor credentials.
“I’m honored and excited to be selected as the next Warden and Corrections Department Director,” said Mason. “Our focus is to ensure that all returning residents in our facilities are prepared mentally, emotionally, socially, and vocationally for re-entry into society. We continue to improve our education opportunities, work skills and experience, and behavioral programs to reduce the likelihood of recidivism while also upholding the safety of the community, staff, and residents in our care.”
The department oversees both an adult correctional institution for men sentenced by Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) courts as well as a Diversion Center providing work-release programs for returning residents nearing completion of their sentences.
Athens-Clarke County operates under a consolidated city-county government structure that manages municipal services such as parks management, facility operations including historic preservation projects like Morton Theatre restoration—listed on National Register of Historic Places—and delivers unified public services across Athens-Clarke County according to the official website.
For further information about local corrections operations or public services offered by Athens-Clarke County Unified Government visit www.accgov.com/corrections.
