Georgia parole review [Winter 2011]

GEORGIA PAROLE REVIEW

Winter 2011

Georgia State Board of
Pardons and Paroles
Chairman James E. Donald Vice Chair Albert R. Murray
Member L. Gale Buckner Member Robert E. Keller Member Terry E. Barnard
Terry Barnard Reappointed
Board Member Terry Barnard has been reappointed to a 7-year term and took the oath from new Governor Nathan Deal January 18, 2011. Former Governor Sonny Perdue reappointed Barnard December 31, 2010. Barnard had been previously appointed by Perdue to the Board in May of 2010. (full story on page 3)
Board Member Terry Barnard and Governor Nathan Deal following the swearing-in ceremony January 18, 2011

Chairman's Message

Dear Parole Board Teammates:
In the past six months we have completed a great deal of good work together and as you know, there's much more left to do as we embark on 2011. This New Year will bring even more change to our agency that will require much of us. We have a new Governor who along with our entire state, faces a great many challenges and we must do what not only is required of us, but all that we can to ensure those challenges are met.
These first six months have reinforced my belief that we have an extraordinary team of professionals working at the Parole Board. I have said it before and will say it again. "No one does it better than you!" The Georgia Parole Board is considered a top paroling authority because of the work you do.
My Board colleagues and I are proud of the great work you are doing!
Of course there is always room to improve and changing times will continue to present challenges and opportunities.

We must look at our processes continuously and ensure they are the best. The public expects it and we owe the public nothing less than putting our best foot forward.
I am very encouraged by the work of our Interoperability Process Action Teams. I'm convinced by working together with the Department of Corrections, we will optimize resources, improve operations and processes, and enhance public safety. What we're trying to do is close the seams, eliminating opportunities for offenders to slip through cracks in the system and commit more crimes. By sharing information, resources and ideas, both departments will become stronger law enforcement partners.
Professional improvement is another area of focus. Look for new opportunities that will be presented to you to grow, learn and develop professionally. We want to be a "learning organization," and in doing so, increase individual opportunities for you.
Finally, 2010 was an extraordinary year. While we have had changes in

leadership and responsibilities, we have adjusted nicely and the department continues to perform at a very high level. Inside this issue, we highlight many of those changes and much of the activity from the last six months.
Again I say, I am humbled by the opportunity to serve with you, and you make me proud to be a part of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles team.

General James E. Donald Chairman
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

New Director of Clemency CONS
Joint Operations PAOG Awards Staff Nominations Faith Based
State and Country

2
3 4-5
6 7 8 9

New Director of Clemency

The State Board of Pardons and Paroles has selected Melodee Stewart as the agency's new Director of Clemency and Parole Selection. Stewart's appointment is effective February 16, 2011.

Stewart was promoted from the position of Central Region Director. Since January 2005, she has had the responsibility of supervising eight Chief Parole Officers in a 27 county area with oversight of these offices and approximately 90 parole officers and support staff. During her career she has served in many important capacities including, Chief Parole Officer, Assistant Chief Parole Officer, Metro Region Area Supervisor, Assistant Director of Field Operations and as DeKalb Parole Center Administrator. Stewart began her career with parole as a parole officer in 1985, after working with state probation.

Director of Parole Michael Nail says Stewart is ready for this challenge.

Director of Clemency

"I know Melodee's accomplishments and we need her leadership

Melodee Stewart

in the Clemency Division," says Nail. "This is a critically impor-

tant function of our agency and we face many challenges as we work to assist the Department of Corrections

with population management while maintaining our core mission of public safety. Melodee has established

herself as a great leader. She knows criminal justice and will be a great asset in her new role," continued

Nail.

The Clemency Division is responsible for the parole process, beginning with the offender's case being investigated, resulting in the offender's file being reviewed by the Board to determine whether to grant parole.

Vice Chair Murray Honored by Former Agency

Parole Board Vice Chairman Albert Murray returned to the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) in December, where he served as the agency's commissioner for more than six years. Murray was honored by the DJJ Board with a proclamation and a plaque as the agency's longest serving commissioner.
Murray's tenure as the department's commissioner is the longest in that agency's history. Murray was appointed to the post in January 2004 and served there until he was appointed again by former Governor Sonny Perdue to the State Board of Pardons and Paroles in May of last year.
Murray was elected vice chairman of the Parole Board shortly after his appointment and began serving in that role July 1, 2010.
Included in Murray's many accomplishments as
Commissioner of DJJ is an accredited school pro-

gram, new

and

strength-

ened com-

munity pro-

grams and a

newly cre-

ated victim

advocacy

component.

A major

Vice Chairman Murray with DJJ Board

accomplish- members Dr. Ed Risler (left) and Daniel

ment as

Shuman.

Commis-

sioner of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Jus-

tice was the completion of all requirements for the

release from the agency's memorandum of agree-

ment with the U.S. Department of Justice on May

05, 2009, ending eleven years of federal oversight.

Page 2

GEORGIA PAROLE REVIEW

WINTER 2011

Page 3

Board Member Terry Barnard Reappointed continued

Barnard's new term of office

they are to the clemency process ward to continuing my service."

will expire December 31, 2017.

and to the supervision of offend- Barnard served nearly sixteen

Barnard says he's cer-

years in the Georgia

tainly excited about

House of Representa-

continuing his service

tives prior to his ap-

on the Board of Par-

pointment to the Board.

dons and Paroles.

He was chairman of the

"I feel as if I've had the advantage of six months already on the job as I enter this full term. The work and decisions made by the Board are so vitally important and I am

State Institutions and Property Committee for six years. During his legislative tenure, Barnard shepherded every bill introduced that impacted the Department of Corrections.

committed to ensuring

Parole Board Chairman

we do our best to keep Board Member Terry Barnard is sworn in by Governor Nathan Deal. James Donald says of

the public safe. In the Barnard's Assistant Susan Ruthven holds his Bible.

Barnard, "He's as

past six months I've

knowledgeable as any-

been able to meet with staff

ers in our communities. The

one regarding Georgia's correc-

across the state and I have come Board is working on improving tional issues and he's certainly a

to understand just how important our operations and I look for-

valuable member of the Board."

CONS (Clemency Online Navigation System)

The switch was thrown as planned December 14, 2010, and the new Clemency Online Navigation System or CONS was deployed. This allowed the agency to pull the plug on OTIS (Offender Tracking Information System). The timing was significant, as the agency avoided another annual fee for utilizing the state's mainframe, a cost of $8.7 million.
CONS will enable the old paper driven business processes, to include thousands of paper offender files, to eventually be replaced by electronic data and a document management system. As a result, all business processes concerning offender file preparation will be improved.

CONS has been in devel-

opment since 2007 at a

cost of $3.6 million, but

long-term, the system will

mean more efficient use of

agency resources, saving

taxpayer dollars. Part of

the CONS system upgrade

was paid for through grant

funds. Enhancements and

additional functionality

will continue to be devel-

oped in CONS through

Board Member Gale Buckner reviews information using CONS.

this calendar year.

As with any new system, there are issues that are being worked out, according to Walt Davis, who is a special Board assistant with CONS' continued implementation as his immediate and primary focus.

Davis says, "It was exciting to make the change. We processed the first release in the system the same day it went live, that's remarkable. This is such a major change in the way the Board has operated."

Joint Operations Enhance Public Safety

Page 4

With public safety as its top priority, the Parole Board is increasing efforts to work side by side with all law enforcement.
In order to combat crime and quickly arrest parole violators, parole officers are teaming with their fellow law enforcement partners at the local, state and federal levels to conduct sweeps in metro and rural areas of Georgia.

Sheriff's Offices, the Department of Corrections and the State Board of Pardons and Paroles. The purpose was two-fold; locating and arresting individuals who have failed to stay in compliance with the law requiring sex offenders to register with law enforcement officials and to conduct compliance checks to make sure those registered were not in violation, specifically those offenders on parole or
probation. 28 arrests were made during the three-day operation including that of a convicted sex offender found with an adolescent female during a check of his residence. South Metro Chief Parole Officer Ken Morrow led Paroles' participation of more than 40 officers.

The Parole Board joined forces with Proba-

tion and the Atlanta Police Department for a

weeklong operation, December 7-14, 2010,

targeting so-called "hot spots" in the city.

248 people were arrested, including 100 con-

victed felons, 14 of which were parolees.

Atlanta Police Chief George Turner said he

appreciated the state giving its resources and

Parole Officer Shekevia Hawkins of the North Fulton Parole Office called the partnership, "a valuable tool in our

searches a suspect during a joint operation with Atlanta Police and State arsenal to fight crime." The operation was

Probation December 9, 2010.

the APD's response to a series of burglaries,

In the metro Atlanta area, two such operations oc-

robberies and a murder in November. Parole Board

curred in December. Operation SNOWMAN (Sex Chairman James Donald stated, "We all have a

Offenders

share of responsibility to do all we can to protect

Near Or

our citizens." Parole's

Wandering

command staff for the

Metro Atlanta

operation consisted of

Neighbor-

South Metro Chief

hoods) was

Parole Officer (CPO)

conducted

Ken Morrow, North

December 1-

Fulton CPO Felicia

3, 2010.

Holloway, South

Snowman

Metro Assistant Chief

consisted of

Parole Officer

more than

(ACPO) Chris Wash-

100 officers

ington and North Ful-

from the U.S.

ton ACPO Keir Chap-

Marshals Ser-

ple. Parole officers

vice, the Ful-

assisted in the location

ton and Clay-

and arrest of one of

ton County

Parole Board Chairman James Donald addresses the troops for the December

Atlanta's Most Wanted (cont. next page)

operation involving Parole, Probation and the Atlanta Police Department.

GEORGIA PAROLE REVIEW

WINTER 2011

Page 5

Parole Joins Local, State and Federal

LaGrange Chief Andy Zimmerman led the La-

Law Enforcement for Public Safety

Grange Parole Office in an arrest sweep operation with the LaGrange Police Department December

Fugitives during the seven day sweep. Parole Officer Josh Thompson, a member of the Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force (SERFT) led the arrest

10, 2010. The operation resulted in the arrest of a parolee, suspected of robbery, who had barricaded himself in a hotel room.

team.

Macon Chief Tami Stubbs led her district in

"Operation Joining Forces" took place December 16, 2010, as the Lawrenceville Parole Office and the Gwinnett County Police Department conducted a one-night operation. Four of-

"Operation Big Ten," from September 13-22, 2010. Parole's responsibility was to provide assistance to
the Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force. The multi-agency operation resulted in 62 arrests.

fenders were arrested

"Operation Marshal Matt

for parole violations.

Dillon," was conducted

One offender was ar-

January 18, 2011 and in-

rested for probation

volved the Marietta Parole

violations. Chief Carrie

Office, State Probation

Goldring and five other

and the Cobb County

officers participated.

Sheriff's Department.

Also on December 16,

Chief Parole Officer Alan

the Griffin Parole Of-

Smith says the sex of-

fice assisted state pro-

fender compliance sweep

bation and the Spalding Lawrenceville Parole Officers prepare for "Operation Joining resulted in 61 residence

County Sheriff's Department in a compli-

Forces," with Gwinnett County Police. (left to right in the forefront are Chandrika Derricho, Kimberly Brown, ACPO James Smith and Colleen Manthe)

ance sweep of the

"We all have a share of

county's 140 registered sex offenders. Assistant

verifications. Eight ar- responsibility to do all we

Chief Parole Officer Terry Williams and two offi-

rests were made for of-

can to protect our

cers participated. No parolees were found to be in violation or were arrested.
Law enforcement in many areas of the state targeted sex offender compliance before and during

fenses to include failing to register as a sex offender, violation of probation, and drug charges.

citizens." Chairman James Donald

Halloween.

In Walker County, parole and probation officers joined forces with the Sheriff's Department and U.S. Marshals Service to check residences and supervision compliance for sex offenders living in the county October 14, 2010. Four arrests were made during "Operation Candy Corn," including two parolees. Chief Parole Officer Harris Childers and officers from the LaFayette Parole Office were involved. Similar compliance checks were held across the state during the Halloween weekend. Halloween provides an opportunity for sex offenders to become acquainted with children, who their parents are and where they live. That's why sex offenders on parole are not allowed to decorate or in anyway entice children to their residence.

Chief Parole Officer Harris Childers (center) and LaFayette Parole Officers coordinate with Walker County authorities and the U.S. Marshals Service on Operation Candy Corn.

Page 6

PAOG AWARDS: Kimner Top Parole Officer

Senior Parole Officer Chris

Mary Pearce, Southwest Region

Kimner is this year's Parole Of- Employee of the Year, Valdosta

ficer of the Year. The announce- Parole Office and Darryl

ment came at the Parole Asso-

McGee, Southeast Region Em-

ciation of Georgia's (PAOG)

ployee of the Year, Southeast

annual awards luncheon Novem- Regional Office, Savannah.

ber 19, 2010. Kimner was

McGee was recently promoted

among ten Parole Board employ- to regional director for the

ees honored by the PAOG.

Southeast. Additionally, three

Kimner joined the Parole Board in 2007. He is a member of the

other awards were announced. They are:

Metro Re-

Charles

gional Arrest

"Ron"

Team and

Moore,

serves as the

Distin-

Arrest Team

guished

Coordinator

Service

for the South

Award

Metro Parole

Post Cer-

Office. By

tified,

executing

Marietta

warrants and

Parole

searches this

Office;

past year the

Kitty

team has

Ulmer,

seized ap-

Distin-

proximately

guished

$69,000 in

Service

drug money, Parole Chairman James Donald and Officer of the Award

more than Year Chris Kimner, South Metro Parole Office

Non-Post

$3,000 in

Certified,

counterfeit money, and nearly

Central Office, Atlanta and Bea

$230,000 worth of illegal drugs. Blankenship, Central Office Em-

Parole Board Chairman James

ployee of the Year, Executive

Donald praised Kimner as a top Operations, Atlanta.

officer saying he definitely, "walks the walk."

The PAOG is a training organization supporting the employees

In addition to Kimner, regional

of the State Board of Pardons

employees of the year were an- and Paroles.

nounced. They are:

James Smith, Metro Region Employee of the Year, Lawrenceville Parole Office; Bobbie Jo Wilson, Central Region Employee of the Year, Thomaston Parole Office; Andrew Wheeler, Northeast Region Employee of the Year, Jefferson Parole Office; David McBrayer, Northwest Region Employee of the Year, Carrollton Parole Office;

Kitty Ulmer and Barb Stayton, Director of Investigations and Compliance

Dalton Reentry Program, Project D.E.S.T.I.N.Y. Recognized for Success
The Parole Association of Georgia honored the Dalton re-entry program, Project D.E.S.T.I.N.Y., at the organization's annual luncheon. Project Destiny Director Mildred Patterson received the PAOG's Volunteer Service Award. Project Destiny (Dalton Entering Servanthood to Inspire a New You) assists parolees from Whitfield and Murray counties as they transition back to the community by providing services such as contacts for local employers, medical providers, food banks and churches. Project Destiny celebrated its 3rd anniversary October 28, 2010. Parole Board Chairman James Donald was among those attending the event. The non-profit organization consists of about 30 local faith-based and civic groups and works closely with the Dalton Parole Office and Chief Beverly Parker. (See related story page 8, "Board to Expand Faith Based Initiatives.")
Parole Vice Chairman Albert Murray and Project Destiny Director Mildred
Patterson at the PAOG Awards

GEORGIA PAROLE REVIEW

WINTER 2011

Page 7

Parole Employees Nominated for APPA, Public Safety

The State Board of Pardons and Paroles had four nominations considered by the American Probation and Parole Association for the organizations' 2011 winter awards program. Although the APPA's four awards will go elsewhere when they are presented this spring, Georgia's nominations were excellent, according to Director of Parole Michael Nail.

collaboration with local law enforcement to combat crime. Bartow County Sheriff Clark Millsap called the nomination, "well deserved," and stated, "In my ten years as Sheriff, we have never had the level of commitment to public safety and interagency cooperation as we do now. The level of commitment demonstrated by the Adairsville Parole office has extraordinarily

"We have excellent people and teams at the Parole Board who

enhanced public safety in Bartow County, Georgia."

are deserving of this recognition," says Nail. In fact, while

The South Metro Parole Office

South Metro Arrest Team in action: Shown are Senior Parole Officer Andrew Rieken

Arrest Team nomination cited (left) and Chief Parole Officer Ken Morrow.

being notified of the, "better

recent drug and weapons sei-

luck next year," by the APPA,

zures as they worked with other in the community.

the association called the Georgia nominations "excellent" and encouraged us to resubmit them again next year.
Two nominations were for parole teams. Nominated were the Adairsville Parole Office and the South Metro Parole Office Arrest Team, both in the category of Commu-

law enforcement arresting parole violators and other fugitives. Approximately $69 thousand in drug money has been seized as well as $230 thousand in illegal drugs, estimated street value. Each team member also carries a parolee caseload and works to successfully transition those of-
fenders back into

The "Extension" is a residential drug treatment facility in Cobb County, nominated by the Marietta Parole Office and "Project Destiny," a community based reentry program in Dalton assisting parolees and probationers as they are released from prison, was nominated by the Dalton Parole Office. Each parole of-

nity Crime Prevention.

"We
"We have excellent people deerererererererererererererererererererererererererererererere rerererererererererererererererererererererehave excellent and teams at the Parole people and teams at the Parole Board,

the community. Two other nomina-

fice works closely with the programs helping offenders.

The Adairsville Parole Office nomination cited increased

Board who are deserving of this recognition." - Michael
Nail, Director of Parole

tions were forwarded to the APPA by parole staff recognizing programs operated

Two parole officers were considered for the Governor's Public Safety Awards last fall. Senior Parole Officer Gerald Horsley with the DeKalb County Parole

Board Chairman Office and Rome Senior Parole

James Donald Officer Jody Black were both

with Dalton Parole Chief Beverly Parker,

nominated. A third nomination was submitted, recognizing the

Project Destiny South Metro Parole Office.

Director Mildred

Patterson and Guest Speaker

Director Nail thanked those who

Ivey Webb at the placed the nominations.

program's 3rd

anniversary. Webb, an Offender Work-

"I truly appreciate our staff wanting to recognize the excel-

force Develop- lent colleagues they have and the

ment Specialist, is a former state

work they do."

inmate.

Board to Expand Faith Based Initiatives

The Parole Board is hoping to

Corrections hosted members of and strengthen the coalition by

use Project Destiny as a model

the Macon Reentry Coalition at adding resources available

to expand faith based programs State Offices South on the Tift

through the faith based commu-

in Georgia to assist parolees and Campus in Forsyth. The coali-

nity.

probationers as they leave prison and re-enter society.
Board Chairman James Donald says the best chance for success is to make the transition from

tion consists of law enforcement, faith and community based organizations and elected officials from Macon and Bibb County. The meeting was held to support

Coalition Chairman Kevin Mason stated, "We need the Faith Based Community," and he added, "Together we make a difference."

prison to the community as "seamless" as possible. Donald says, "I strongly believe our work with Faith and Community Based organizations is making a difference in the lives of offenders. It takes an entire community to help an offender succeed and the more support we get helps make Georgia a safer state."

Jerome Patillo offered his testimonial to the group. Patillo, incarcerated for 34 years in the Georgia prison system, said, "The Faith Community wouldn't give up on us." Patillo says it was through faith and services provided, that he has been able to be successful. He works now Parole Board Chairman James Donald speaks as a traffic operations technician

As a result, December 16, 2010,

with State Representative Bubber Epps (center) and Joe Wingo, CEO of Angel Food Ministries.

with the Georgia Department of

the Board and Department of

Transportation.

Parole Team Finally Wins the Big One!

Page 8

Hearing Examiners Joe McAdoo and Scott Reaves with former Governor Sonny Perdue and COO Trey Childress
For the first time the Parole Board had staff recognized for customer service at the annual customer service awards ceremony last October.
State Board of Pardons and Paroles Hearing Examiners Joe McAdoo and Scott Reaves were among sixteen teams or individuals who received statewide

recognition during Team Georgia's Fourth Annual Governor's Customer Service Awards. The event was held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
McAdoo and Reaves were recognized for Team Excellence receiving the award based on their streamlined Parole Eligibility Date project that has saved the state millions of dollars since its inception in December 2010.

PED project is estimated to exceed $12.5 million through a reduction in incarceration costs.
McAdoo and Reaves were also recognized by the State Personnel Board and awarded $2,500 each through the State Employees Suggestion Program as a result of the PED project.

The parole team developed an improved process for more efficiently managing the parole eligibility dates (PED) for a small category of mostly low level, nonviolent inmates. The total potential cost avoidance to the state as a result of the

Lawrenceville Parole Chief Carrie Goldring was honored in 2010 with a Governor's Commendation for Customer Service.

GEORGIA PAROLE REVIEW

WINTER 2011

Page 9

Serving Our State and Country

McCall and other Parole Staff Protect our Safety and Freedom in rural Elbert County, CPT

McCall returned to Afghanistan

Captain Mark A. McCall was first ordered to active duty as part of the Georgia Army National Guard on February 10, 2007. McCall is still on active duty now serving his third tour in Afghanistan. McCall is one of six full time Parole Board

ment to Afghanistan was with the 1-108 Cavalry Squadron, headquartered in Calhoun, GA. The squadron was one of Geor-
gia's first units of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team to deploy, in April 2009. At times the squadron was scattered throughout dangerous areas of

last July. Currently, he is working for the US Army Corps of Engineers, Afghanistan Engineer District-North (AED-N). AEDN currently is charged with building hundreds of projects in Northern and Eastern Afghanistan, to include Afghan Army posts, Afghan Police and Border Police stations, US and NATO Military Construction Projects (such as bunkers, hangars and runways) and certain road projects.

employees

Afghanistan,

currently de- Hartwell SPO Mark McCall as Captain fighting beside

ployed.

McCall serving in Afghanistan.

Afghan Army

When McCall's not serving our

and Police units.

country he is a Senior Parole

During this tour, McCall also

Officer (SPO) in the Hartwell

assisted in setting up an Opera-

office. McCall began his career tional Coordination Center

There are 66 parole board employees with military service, retired, prior or current.
Also deployed are:
SPO Russell Bloodworth, Eatonton, U.S. Army, Afghanistan

with the Pa-

(OCC) near Ka- SPO Joseph Braswell, Thomas-

role Board in

bul and during

ton, Army, Ft. Dix, NJ

1994.

the Afghan

DMtobGgtNlveiwohinraotecueaanuheccnrleotsreasreCiAri,r.titroaneorngiahDfnwlagmgfligeealtiaiua'h"nheol"sasrrTeiamnoPidnnbfnneuoedi-gieagrntd--shmttt-thhhieeC(sIUanCtopsroetuu.rmrtz,-Mgb"MaLacntCickACaPelsacrlolttligovoo-dntritvheisantsdtorycoatancghlteieeon.trgisn!re"fuvr)naensritanrlugcc. itvuPehahditrDhnhuirlteoeerlueesepeatuaucwaryhtslpriftlriientiasrfntgdshoroaogsOgheeienijennirsewtCwfdeshtittctansiloCisitsatetstsromai2lhockoits0tfnodeanit0oudliee1ls9nrnd-2,,.

SPO Richard Croley, DeKalb, Army, Ft. Knox, KY
SPO Curtis Ward, South Metro, Army, Afghanistan
SPO Reginald Warren, Griffin, Army, Afghanistan

Badge as his unit was involved

After nearly eleven months in

in several firefights.

Afghanistan, the 1-108 CAV

Back home in May, 2008, (2nd
tour) CPT McCall was assigned to help train Georgia's 48th In-
fantry Brigade Combat Team.

returned to Ft. Stewart, Georgia, on March 1, 2010, for demobili-

2010 Veterans Day Ceremony:

zation.

Brigadier General (R) Stewart

Rodeheaver, Major General (R) James

After exhausting leave by spend- Donald and Department of Corrections

CPT McCall's second deploy-

ing time with family and friends Commissioner Brian Owens at Tift,
State Offices South.

CPOF Assists Injured Parole Employee

Hearing Examiner George Walker's recovery has Walker was "overwhelmed" by the outpouring of

been remarkable especially considering the severe support from his fellow workers. He called his pa-

injuries he suffered when attacked last July. Walker role colleagues, "superheroes," as he described his

suffered extensive head injuries among other inju- amazement at how they had taken the safety of their

ries during the attack that

officers so seriously.

was apparently not re-

Walker's whereabouts

lated to his job with the

were unknown in the

Parole Board. A suspect

days following the at-

has been charged in the

tack and parole staff

case.

searched for him before

Walker, is back working but continues his rehabilitation. He was able to join colleagues, friends and family at the Parole Board October 7, 2010 where he received a cash

locating him in Grady Hospital in Atlanta. Staff also assisted his family during the few weeks that followed and often stayed at his bedside as he recovered.

assistance award from

CPO Foundation Board

the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation's (CPOF) Catastrophic

(l-r) Derrick Schofield, former Assistant Commissioner, Dept. of Corrections, Ava Walker, George Walker, Rowen Walker, Don Dease, Judy Dease, Board Vice Chair Albert

member Don Dease and Field Representative Judy Dease presented

Assistance Program. Parole's Human Re-

Murray, Board Member Robert Keller and Director of Parole the check to Walker.

Michael Nail.

The Correctional Peace

sources Director Jesse

Officers Foundation is a

Johnson completed the necessary paperwork to

non-profit organization that assists correctional em-

seek the monetary assistance, after Julie Harnage of ployees at the local, state and federal levels includ-

the Department of Corrections heard of the attack ing parole employees. As in Walker's case, the CPO

and contacted Johnson.

may provide assistance to non-members as well.

Parolee Answers Call to Service

Page 10

Parolee Willie Alexander is serving a life sentence, and he's making the most of it by helping others at the Good News at Noon Center in Gainesville.

The shelter and community cen-

Willie Alexander discusses his experiences and role at the Good

ter prepares

News at Noon Center at the Janu-

meals and dis- ary 8, 2011, "With a Servant's

tributes food and clothing to

Heart" event. New First Lady Sandra Deal to right.

those in need.
Alexander has been at the shelter since being paroled in 2008, says Pastor Edward Grant, Center Director.
"He has the kind of character we like to instill in others," says Grant.
Good News at Noon was one of many locations in Georgia, Governorelect Nathan Deal

chose to call Georgians to a day of service as part of his inauguration activities. First Lady Sandra Deal and Lt. Governor Casey Cagle were among those attending along with volunteers who helped sort food, restock and clean the center.
Alexander supervises individuals ordered to do community service at the center and mentors others.
Parole Officer Dale Williams supervises Alexander. "He has earned the respect of those who volunteer and support Good News at Noon," says Williams.
GEORGIA PAROLE REVIEW

WINTER 2011

Page 11

Holidays are for Helping

There's nothing more associated with the holidays than those who are fortunate giving back and helping

for needy teenagers in the Whitfield County area in October and November.
The District 34, LaFayette Parole Office, participated in Toys for Tots in conjunction with the Georgia State Patrol and with the Fraternal Order of Police, in the "Cops and Kids Christmas" event.
The Cairo Parole Office adopted two families in the area for Christmas and purchased gifts for the children.
Left, Board Chair James Donald and Board Member Robert Keller (center) and Parole Director Michael Nail (far right), join central office staff around the tree with donations of toys for the Toys for Tots Drive and food items.

those less fortunate. Again in 2010, parole employees gave from the heart to include hundreds of toys for deserving children during the annual Toys for Tots Drive. Central Office employees donated several hundred toys during the drive.
Additionally, a Central Office push was made to help put food on the table for those in need. The December canned food drive resulted in 316 pounds of non-perishable food items. The food was donated and delivered to the Atlanta Community food Bank December 22, 2010 just in time for the Christmas holiday.
Parole staff across the state were equally as giving.
The Dalton Parole Office participated in the "Share the Warmth" project in conjunction with the Department of Human Services and Whitfield County Schools. Dalton staff donated blankets, sweatshirts, gloves, scarves and socks to the project

Above, the Cairo Parole Office sends staff-donated-gifts to children of families in their area.
Left to right above; Parole Officer Judy Ethredge, Secretary Peggy Paramore and Parole Officer Ron Mastaes.
Above, Parole Victim Services staff, left to right are; Beverly New, Diane Wallace, Lisa Brown and Destiny Brown.
Food Drive photo: Public Affairs Director Steve Hayes and Bea Blankenship, Assistant to Director Nail.

State Board of
Pardons and Paroles
Parole Review is published by the Public Affairs Office, Steve Hayes, Director
404-657-9450
www.pap.state.ga.us Webmaster@pap.state.ga.us

Our Mission To enhance public safety by making informed parole decisions and successfully transitioning offenders back
into the community.
Our Vision A parole system that leads to a safe Georgia.
Our Core Values We value Ethics, Integrity, Fairness and Honesty.

Fifth Floor, East Tower

Promotions, Retirements & Announcements

Floyd Veterans Memorial Building

2 Martin Luther King, Jr., Drive, S.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30334

Marshal Smith, Investigator, November 2010 Central Office Cus-

William Anderson retired July 1, 2010, Parole Investigator, Atlanta,

tomer Service award winner. Smith with 27 years of service.

LaVonda Storey promoted to Assistant Chief Parole Officer, Law-

retired December 1, 2010 with 10 years of service.

Lilian Reeves retired November 1, 2010, Parole Investigator, GD &

renceville Parole Office, effective Deloris Jones retired October 1,

CC, with 25 years of service.

February 1, 2011.
Reginald Huley selected for the position of Assistant Chief Parole

2010, Parole Investigator, Savannah Parole Office, with 33 years of service.

Daryl Boatwright retired November 1, 2010, Senior Parole Officer, South Metro Parole Office, with 27

Officer in the Monroe Parole Office Assistant Chief Parole Office James years of service.

effective January 18, 2011.
Larry Morgan selected as the Chief Parole Officer for the Savannah Parole Office effective October 16,

Smith, Lawrenceville Parole Office, has been assigned to the DEA Strike Force effective January 1, 2011.

Robert Henson retired November 1, 2010, Senior Parole Officer, Columbus Parole Office, with 24 years of service.

2010.
Darryl McGee promoted to the Regional Director of the Southeast Region effective October 1, 2010.

Craig Crazier promoted to Assistant Chief Parole Officer for the Dalton Parole Office effective January 1, 2011.

Gail Buford retired December 1, 2010, Computer Systems Analyst, Northeast Region Office, with 34 years of service.

Brenda Locklear promoted to the Assistant Chief Parole Officer in the Brunswick Parole Office effective

Paula O'Neal promoted to Chief Parole Officer for the Jesup Parole Office effective November 1, 2010.

Paul Richardson retired December 1, 2010, Mental Health Counselor, Jonesboro Parole Office, with 21

November 16, 2010.

Kathy Pike, Clemency Division,

years of service.

Crystal Moon promoted to Hearing Examiner effective November 16, 2010.

Secretary, is the September 2010 Central Office Customer Service award winner.

Christopher Abbe retired December 1, 2010 as Regional Director, Northeast Region, after 17 years of

James Griffin retired October 1, 2010, Chief Parole Officer, Atlanta Investigations, with 30 years of service.

Jennie Hammett, Interstate Compact, is the October 2010 Central Office Customer Service award winner.

service.
Janice Flanagan retired January 1, 2011, Secretary, Gainesville Parole Office, with 27 years of Service.

James Hill promoted to Hearing Examiner effective December 1, 2010. Hill was previously a Senior Parole Officer.

Matthew Ellis promoted to Assistant Chief Parole Officer, Gainesville Parole Office, effective February 16, 2011.

Jimi Williams promoted to Hearing Examiner effective November 16, 2010. Previously Assistant Chief Parole Officer.