Georgia Parole Review Fall 2022/Winter 2023 Ga Parole Review Fall 2022/Winter 2023 | Page 4

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Appalachian Judicial Circuit District Attorney B. Alison Sosebee thanked the Board for meeting with her office and crime victims.

“Meeting with these victims was significant for several reasons, but especially in that it allowed the victims to have a voice and to be heard. This collaboration with the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles assists the District Attorney’s Office in its mission to 'Seek Justice, Serve Justice, and Do Justice,'” she stated. 

Executive Director of the Parole Board, Chris Barnett says the Board will continue to engage, educate, and encourage active participation in the parole process to enhance agency operations and public safety.

“We are continuously working to engage all stakeholders in the parole process. It is important that we are all engaged to reach the best possible parole decisions,” Barnett stated.

Barnett says victims and prosecutors are key stakeholders and provide the Board with necessary offender case information.

Victim Impact Sessions continued from page 3

Ward Takes Oath

Timothy Ward was sworn in January 17, 2023, as a member of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles. Ward is the former commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections.

Ward replaces Brian Owens whose board term ended December 31, 2022.

Ward says he looks forward to continuing his public service with the State Board of Pardons and Paroles.

“The Parole Board has an important role in Georgia’s criminal justice system. During my tenure as the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections, the agency and the Board worked closely together to serve Georgia communities and keep families safe. I pledge to make informed decisions when determining which eligible offenders are deserving of parole," Ward said.

Chairman Terry Barnard says Ward adds to a very experienced parole board.

"Tim Ward brings more experience to this Board and his decisions will enhance public safety," Barnard stated.

Parole Board Members are constitutional officers of the state and full-time employees with the responsibility of deciding which parole eligible inmates will be released on parole after serving an appropriate portion of their prison sentence.

The Parole Board is authorized to grant paroles, pardons, commutations and reprieves and is the only entity in the state with the constitutional authority to commute a death sentence.  Board Members are appointed by the Governor to seven-year staggered terms and confirmed by the State Senate.

More information about Parole Board Member Timothy Ward: 

https://pap.georgia.gov/board-members/timothy-ward.