Governor Perdue Recommends James Donald As New Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections

Atlanta - Governor Sonny Perdue today announced plans to recommend Major General James Donald to the Georgia Department of Corrections Boardto serve as the agency's new commissioner.

"General Donald brings extensive leadership experience to this position," said Governor Perdue. "He is a results-oriented manager who excels at leading people and building teams."

"I would like to thank Joe Fererro for his service and stewardship of the Department of Corrections as Acting Commissioner," said Governor Perdue. Fererro will continue to serve the department as Assistant Commissioner.

The Department of Corrections is committed to holding offenders accountable and providing safe and secure facilities, effective community supervision, and effective methods of self-improvement for offenders. The Commissioner serves as the chief executive of the Department, responsible for the overall management, administration and operation of the agency.

A brief biography of James Donald is provided below:

Major General James E. Donald has served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel and Installations in the U.S. Army Forces Command since August 2000. From May 1998 to August 2000, he served as Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Pacific. From January 1997 to May 1998, Donald assisted the Division Commander for Operations for the 25 th Infantry Division and for 2 years prior to that he served as the Deputy Director of Operations for the U.S. Pacific Command. Donald received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from the University of Mississippi and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of Missouri. He is on the board of the American Red Cross and the Atlanta Boy Scouts and has earned the U.S. Army's Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Medal and the Bronze Star.