Artist’s rendering of completed Piedmont Region Office.

New Piedmont Region Office Dedicated

"We are bringing people together from several divisions or offices under the big DOC umbrella into one location," said Secretary Beck. "This new office illustrates a new era in collaboration and coordination in our efforts to provide the highest quality services to the state’s citizens."

The Piedmont Region Office’s new home in Kernersville was chosen because of its central location and easy access. More than 30 employees will be working in the new 16,200 square foot building. "It’ll be beneficial to have all these offices under one roof, centrally located to the prisons we serve," said James Pierce, DOP Piedmont Region Director. The staff helped plan the layout of the building, but DOP Director of Support Services Boyd Bennett calls it "Cody’s building." Cody Phillips is a retired employee who was asked to come back and help with the planning of the new office. She also organized the open house.

Secretary Beck was the keynote speaker at the event. Director of Prisons James French, Assistant Secretary for Chemical Dependency Lattie Baker, general contractor Durwood Stephenson, as well as other division managers also gave remarks. A lunch prepared by staff from the Caswell Correctional Center was served and all guests were given tours of the new building.