Georgia State Board of Pardons & Paroles

At the June monthly meeting of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles the Board elected David Herring as Chair for Fiscal Year 2025. Meg Heap was elected Vice Chair. Both will begin their leadership roles July 1st. Herring served this year as Vice Chair. "I appreciate the position that I am being given. I can promise you this, like I have always done, I will serve this board with hard work and integrity whether I am the chairman or not," stated Herring. Herring in his comments also praised Chairman Terry Barnard's leadership and he praised the parole staff. You can read more of Chair-elect Herring's comments here: https://lnkd.in/ejvRXaDF In his report to the Board, Executive Director Chris Barnett recognized the newest Board Members, Joyette Holmes and Wayne Bennett and said the Board remains committed to its mission of, "ensuring public safety, protecting victims' rights and providing (offenders) opportunities for positive change." The meeting was Wayne Bennett's first as a Georgia Parole Board Member. During the meeting, division and unit leaders presented operational updates to the Board. Another highlight was the promotion of Georgia Office of Victim Services Deputy Director Keir Chapple to Director of the office. #parolestrong #paroleworks #georgia #gakemp #govkemp

Introducing the State Board of Pardons and Paroles' Canine Comfort Handler, Mandy Kimner, and her canine companion, Asher. Mandy & Asher work for the Georgia Office of Victim Services as part of the Critical Incident Stress Management team and they are here to help crime victims and others facing challenges associated with traumatic events. Mandy brings a wealth of experience and dedication to this important role and her journey is nothing short of impressive. A former United States Marine, she served with distinction from 1997 to 2001, achieving the rank of Sergeant and earning accolades for leadership and selfless service. During her years in service, Mandy was recognized and awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for superior performance and the United States Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal for Outstanding conduct, as well as Meritorious Mast for keen professional skills and selfless devotion. Post-military, Mandy delved into criminal justice, earning a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Clayton State University. Since 2007, she's excelled as a Parole Officer, Specialized Parole Officer, and Hearing Examiner, showcasing expertise in handling sensitive cases and crisis situations. Her qualifications extend beyond her stellar resume—Mandy is a certified Crisis Intervention Team officer, Glock Armorer, Post Certified Instructor, and has completed the Georgia Department of Community Supervision Management Essential training. Her commitment to professional development is evident in her role at the Georgia Department of Correction's Family Day and Victim Visitor's Day, providing crucial support for families impacted by crime. Finally, before joining GOVS as a Victim Services Specialist, she served with the Clemency Division's Critical Analysis Unit, conducting comprehensive cause audits and final case reviews. Join us in congratulating Mandy! We believe her skills, compassion, and her canine partner will make a significant impact in the lives of those we serve. #parolestrong #paroleworks

The Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles is proud of its dedicated employees who are committed to public safety. Here is Courtney Thompson, a District Operations Manager in the Field Services Division. If you’re interested in a career in enhancing public safety, be sure to check out our website and keep an eye on our social media pages for upcoming opportunities. #parolestrong #paroleworks

The Georgia Office of Victim Services (GOVS) introduced its new Comfort Dog today at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC). Asher and Handler Mandy Kimner will be assisting crime victims and the duo will be available to assist anyone suffering trauma. Georgia Parole Board Chairman David Herring and Executive Director Chris Barnett joined GOVS staff and leadership from both the Georgia Department of Corrections and the Georgia Department of Community Supervision in introducing the Comfort Dog Program. "We met South Carolina Department of Corrections' Canine Therapy Dog "Flossy" at a training conference in 2022 and we were inspired to bring it to the Georgia Parole Board and the Georgia Office of Victim Services," says Herring. "I'm thrilled that we now have Asher and Mandy to assist crime victims in Georgia," added Herring. Executive Director Barnett says all Georgians can benefit from the new Comfort Dog. "Asher and Mandy can be dispatched to any location if the need arises to assist anyone in need," said Barnett. Also look for Asher and Mandy at community events and schools and get to know them! The Georgia Office of Victim Services is supported by and represents all three agencies: the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC), the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles and the Georgia Department of Community Supervision (DCS). Many thanks to GDC and DCS for supporting the program. (photo - GOVS Director Keir Chapple, Handler Mandy Kimner and Comfort Dog Asher, Executive Director of Parole Chris Barnett and Georgia Parole Board Chairman David Herring) #paroleworks #parolestrong #GOVS #victimimpact #teamDCS

Please join us in congratulating our new Deputy Executive Director, Felecia Holloway! “Felecia Holloway is an excellent choice to fill this important role with our agency,” states Parole Board Chairman David Herring. Holloway will assist Executive Director Chris Barnett in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the agency. “Felecia brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and insight to this role. She is a dedicated leader with a people-first philosophy, and we are thrilled to see her step into this new position,” states Barnett. Read more about Holloway's appointment: https://lnkd.in/ePSDb-Cw Felecia is an active member of the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA), the Association of Paroling Authorities International (APAI), the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP), the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE), and is a past president of the Georgia Professional Association of Community Supervision (GPACS). Congratulations Felicia, all the hard work has not gone unnoticed, and we look forward to your continued leadership and success! #parolestrong #paroleworks #paroleteam #parolefamily

Georgia Parole Board Chairman David Herring and Executive Director of Parole Chris Barnett attended the Northeast Georgia Corrections Academy Basic Correctional Officer Training (BCOT) Graduation last week. Executive Director Barnett delivered closing remarks for the ceremony. "We wanted to show our support for these new officers as they take on their roles within the Georgia Department of Corrections. The board fully supports these new officers and they will be key contributors to the rehabilitation of the offenders in their custody," said Barnett. The graduation was held in Cornelia, Georgia. (photo - Parole Board Chairman David Herring, 3rd from right, Executive Director Chris Barnett, 2nd from right and Georgia Office of Victim Services Director Keir Chapple, far right attended to support the new correctional officers.) #parolestrong #paroleworks #parolefamily

Please join us in congratulating Jenna James on her promotion to Deputy Director of the Field Services Division for the State Board of Pardons and Paroles. Jenna was formerly a Senior District Operations Manager. Jenna is a graduate of Fisk University with a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Psychology. In 2007, Jenna earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Columbus State University and is a graduate of the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College. During her 31-year career, Jenna has held various positions, including Correctional Probation Officer, Specialized Parole Officer, Prevention Program Coordinator, Field Operations Officer, Assistant Director of Field Operations (Programs), Director of Interstate Compact, Compact Administrator, and Deputy Compact Administrator, as well as Operations Administrator. She is also a graduate of the Carl Vinson Institute’s Advanced Management Training Program and the Correctional Leadership Institute (CLI), where she was selected as class representative on both occasions. Additionally, Jenna is a 2018 graduate of the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) Leadership Institute (6) and has served as a mentor for both APPA Leadership Class #9 and Class #10. Jenna is currently a member of the Georgia Professional Association of Community Supervision (GPACS), the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA), and an active member of the Henry County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Congratulations, Jenna, on the well-deserved promotion! We look forward to your continued leadership and the positive impact you will make in your new role. #paroleworks #parolestrong #paroleteam #parolefamily

Executive Director of Parole Chris Barnett delivered the closing remarks at this past week's Basic Correctional Officer Training (BCOT) graduation ceremony held by the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) in Milledgeville. “These officers will play a critical role in the Department of Corrections' reentry efforts, helping offenders make positive changes and prepaing them for a successful transition back into the community,” Barnett emphasized. He further noted, “The Department of Corrections and the Parole Board are united in their commitment to ensuring public safety for all Georgia citizens.” The graduating officers completed their training at GDC’s Middle Georgia Correctional Academy. (photo includes Exec. Director Barnett, left) #parolestrong #paroleworks #paroleteam

Georgia Parole Board Executive Director Chris Barnett spoke to newly elected Georgia Sheriffs at the Georgia Sheriffs' Association's Elect Academy this week. "What an opportunity!" stated Barnett. "Georgia sheriffs are law enforcement leaders in our state and an important stakeholder in the parole process. We want them to know about the parole process and that we understand their role of providing public safety for their communities and how we believe it's critical for us to communicate, and for them to share information that will ensure our board makes the best parole decisions in the interest of public safety," added Barnett. The training for the newly elected sheriffs took place at the Association's headquarters in Madison. Barnett and Field Services Division Director Felecia Holloway, provided an overview of the Parole Board and the parole process in Georgia. #parolestrong #paroleworks #paroleteam #parolefamily #sheriff

The State Board of Pardons and Paroles is thrilled to announce Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Kristen Kinney, will be stepping in as the new "Legislative Liaison" while continuing her essential CFO duties. In her new position, Kristen will work closely with Parole leadership, legislators, and stakeholders to advance the agency’s mission through strategic legislative efforts and she will strengthen relationships with key partners and stakeholders. Kristen has a wealth of experience in public policy and governmental affairs. Her dedication and collaborative approach is a tremendous asset for the agency. Congratulations Kristen! Kristen began her career with the State of Georgia in 2009 as an Auditor with the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. After a short time in the private sector, Kristen returned to public service in 2015, serving as a Fiscal Policy Analyst with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget. In this capacity, she performed budget development and policy analysis for public safety agencies in the state of Georgia. Kristen joined the Department of Corrections as a Senior Budget Manager in 2017 and served in this capacity until 2019 when she was promoted to Budget Director. Kristen joined the State Board of Pardons and Paroles as Chief Financial Officer in 2020. Kristen holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. Since working with the State of Georgia, she earned a Certificate in Budget and Financial Management as well as a Certified Public Manager designation from the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government. #parolestrong #paroleworks #parolefamily #paroleteam #UGA