Central Prison in Raleigh has a new warden.

Gerald J. Branker will replace Marvin Polk, who recently retired as warden, state prison officials announced today. Branker was the prison's deputy warden.

Branker will head a prison that houses 1,000 adult male inmates and has a staff of 700. The prison plays several roles, including as the site of the state’s executions.

Branker began his career as a correctional officer at Central Prison in 1979.