CCA has selected 45-year corrections professional Ralph M. Kemp the warden at its soon-to-open 1,150-bed Jenkins Correctional Center in Millen. As a former national Warden of the Year with decades of experience, Kemp is optimistic about the new Jenkins facility.

“I’ve been involved a number of times in launching new facilities, and it’s always an exciting time,” he said. “There is a tremendous amount of work to be done before the opening, from construction to staffing to finally receiving inmates, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Kemp is also anxious to share the success of Jenkins Correctional Center with the local community, both by bringing in new permanent jobs and interacting with local residents on philanthropic efforts such as fundraising for the United Way and holding blood drives.

“At CCA we pride ourselves on being a strong community partner and employer,” Kemp said. “Opening this facility will be a boost to Millen and Jenkins County, and we take our responsibility as a corporate citizen seriously.”

Before joining CCA, Kemp had a long and distinguished career with the Georgia Department of Corrections. He began as a correctional counselor in 1966. He then advanced to assistant warden, warden, regional director and finally, deputy commissioner. He has gained expertise in training development, administrative operations and security.

Kemp brought these years of experience to the CCA family in 1998 as assistant warden at the Wheeler Correctional Facility in Alamo. He was quickly promoted to warden in the summer of 2000 and has served the facility in that capacity for the past decade.

His expertise and devotion to corrections was recognized most recently when he was named Warden of the Year by the North American Association of Wardens and Superintendents in 2010, an honor he calls one of the most memorable and proudest moments of his career thus far. He is also a lifetime member and past president of the Georgia Prison Warden’s Association, a founding member of the Georgia Correctional Association, and a member of the Peace Officers Association of Georgia, the American Correctional Association, North American Association of Wardens and Superintendents, and the Fraternal Order of Police. Kemp also holds a bachelors degree in sociology from Georgia Southern University. He and his wife, Molly, have two children and three grandchildren, and in his free time Kemp enjoys hunting, fishing and watching sports.

Promotion to warden at a brand new facility is a daunting task, but Kemp says he looks forward to joining the new staff at Jenkins and leading them to success.

“I have had a very exciting and rewarding career,” Kemp said. “I hold myself to high standards and expect the same from my staff. I expect Jenkins Correctional Center to be the best by any standards.”

CCA’s Jenkins Correctional Center is a newly opened 1,150- bed detention center holding inmates from the Georgia Department of Corrections. The facility is located at 3232 Hilltop Road in Millen.

CCA is the nation’s largest provider of partnership corrections to federal, state and local government, operating more than 60 facilities, including more than 40 company-owned facilities, with approximately 90,000 beds, in 20 states and the District of Columbia. In addition to providing the residential services for inmates, CCA facilities offer rehabilitation and educational programs, including education, vocation, religious services, life skills and employment training and substance abuse treatment. For more, visit www.correctionscorp.com and www.ccacommunities.com.