Deal announces appointments to Corrections, parole board

Gov. Nathan Deal today announced that he has appointed former Department of Corrections Commissioner Brian Owens to the state Board of Pardons and Paroles, and he has nominated Georgia Department of Natural Resources Deputy Commissioner Homer Bryson to succeed Owens as commissioner of Corrections. The nomination is subject to approval from the Board of Corrections. Owens will fill the Pardons and Paroles seat vacated by James E. Donald.

Homer Bryson

Bryson has served as the deputy commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources for the past four years. Prior to his current role, Bryson served as colonel of the DNR Law Enforcement Section, working his way up from conservation ranger. Bryson currently serves on the Georgia State Indemnification Commission, the Peace Officers’ Annuity and Benefit Fund and the Peace Officers Association of Georgia, for which he is the legislative chair. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Valdosta State College and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Columbus State University. Bryson and his wife, Lisa, have three children and reside in Flowery Branch.

Brian Owens

Owens has served as the commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections since 2009. Prior to his appointment, Owens served as the department’s assistant commissioner, executive assistant and the director of the department’s office of Planning and Analysis. Owens began his career as a parole officer in 1993 and while in that capacity, he was promoted to the post of assistant chief parole officer and chief parole officer. Owens earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Georgia. He and his wife have two children and reside in Forsyth.