By Dudley Evans –

A leadership transition is underway at the Morgan County Correctional Complex in Wartburg. According to a spokesperson for the Tennessee Department of Correction and reports from the Roane County News, current Warden Shawn Phillips is retiring from his position.

Jonathan Higdon is slated to step in as the new warden, transferring from his current role at the Bledsoe County Correctional Complex in Pikeville.

The Morgan County facility serves as one of the region’s largest employers, supporting a workforce of approximately 800 employees. An official effective date for the leadership handoff has not yet been announced, and further details are expected as the transition moves forward.