Crystal Hughes-Whiters has been promoted to Superintendent at Clayton Transitional Center, effective June 1, according to an announcement from Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Tyrone Oliver on May 28. Hughes-Whiters previously served as Deputy Warden of Diagnostics at the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison.
Oliver said, “Crystal’s leadership and strong work ethic have consistently proven to be invaluable to the agency. We are confident that her knowledge of corrections and unwavering commitment to the GDC mission will serve her well as she takes on this new role.”
Hughes-Whiters began her career with the department in 1998 as a Correctional Officer at Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison. Over her tenure, she was promoted through several positions including Sergeant, Behavioral Health Counselor, Chief Counselor, Unit Manager, and Deputy Warden of Diagnostics.
Her educational background includes an Associate Degree in Business Management, an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, and a Supervisory Diploma from Griffin Technical College. She also holds a Bachelor and Master of Arts in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Legal Studies from Saint Leo University, a master’s degree in organizational leadership from North Central University, and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree. Her departmental training includes Basic Correctional Officer Training, Initial Correctional Counseling Training, Effective Communication courses, Chief Counselor Training, Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment Training, Supervision I–III courses, Management I–III courses, Deputy Warden’s Academy, and Warden’s Pre-Command.
The Georgia Department of Corrections oversees one of the largest prison systems in the United States, with responsibility for approximately 49,000 state prisoners. The department employs about 9,000 staff members.
