A Greenville native has taken the helm at the Butler County Correctional Facility, following the retirement of his mentor, Major Al McKee.

Jamie Manning, a 1993 graduate of Greenville High School, began his career in law enforcement in Conecuh County.

“After several years of working various jobs, a friend persuaded me to apply for a job with the Conecuh County Sheriff’s Department as a correctional officer,” Manning said. “After working in Conecuh County a few years, I joined the Butler County Sheriff’s Office as a correctional officer.”

Eventually, Manning felt the need to expand his horizons, moving to the Atlanta area to work with the State of Georgia’s Department of Corrections.

However, there’s no place like home.

“In 2007, I moved back to Greenville to be closer to my family. Sheriff Harden and Major McKee both welcomed me with open arms and for that I am extremely grateful,” said Manning.

He says the two people who most influenced him to pursue a career in law enforcement and corrections were his mother, Brenda Manning, and his late uncle, Clyde Powell.

“My mother and uncle taught me to be respectful of all people. They also raised me to have self-dignity and pride,” explained Manning. “After several conversations with my uncle, he made it clear that I am doing what I was purposed to do.”

What will be his greatest challenge as the new correctional facility administrator?

“Filling my predecessor’s shoes,” he replies, adding, “Major McKee operated the facility like a well-oiled machine. He took me under his wing and molded me with the help of Captain Sharon Smith. He helped prepare for what was to come. I will truly miss him.”

In terms of potential changes at the BCCF, Manning says “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it . . . that being said, I do have a few ideas about educational opportunities and job placement for the inmates. Those ideas and others are in the planning phase.”

A family man, Manning and his wife Latasha have four children: Jalisha, 14, a student at Greenville Middle School, Paris, 16, who attends Greenville High along with brother Jeremy, 17, and Brya, 20, a student at Georgia State University.

In his free time, Manning enjoys fishing with family and friends, rooting for the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Atlanta Falcons and traveling. He is also a member of the Alabama New South Coalition and Pine Belt #404 Masonic Lodge.