New Warden at Hays State Prison

Gabriel Illa Promoted

The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of Gabriel Illa, Deputy Warden of Security at Hays State Prison (SP), to Warden at Hays SP effective September 1, 2026. As Warden, Illa will be responsible for overseeing staff members and approximately 1,086 male offenders.

“Gabriel has worked his way up through the ranks and excelled in each position he has held with the agency,” said Commissioner Oliver. “We are proud to have him as a part of our team and are confident that his correctional knowledge will continue to prove invaluable to the mission and staff at Hays SP.”

Illa began his career with the GDC in 2007 as a Correctional Officer at Hays SP. He was promoted through the ranks of CERT Sergeant, Lieutenant, Tactical Squad member, Chief of Security, and Unit Manager. In 2023, he was promoted Deputy Warden of Security, where he currently serves.

Illa received an Associate of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Dalton State University and a bachelor’s degree from Reinhardt University. His departmental training consists of Basic Correctional Officer Training, Special Operations Training, Sergeant’s Academy, Supervision I, II, and III, Management I, II, and III, Chief of Security Academy, and Deputy Warden’s Academy.