Mccoy and Waters join the parole board
2
Kimberly McCoy and Josh Waters were appointed to the State Board of Pardons and Paroles by Governor Brian Kemp, McCoy in December of 2025 and Waters in January of 2026.
Both new members attended their first monthly operational board meeting in January. Governor Kemp held swearing-in ceremonies for McCoy and Waters in January.
McCoy fills the unexpired term of Margaret “Meg” Heap who left the Board last August to become U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Georgians in this new role. I look forward to continuing the Board’s work of making these informed, scientific public safety decisions while protecting victims' rights and providing second chances to deserving individuals,” stated McCoy.
Waters most recently served as a civilian attorney for the United States Air Force.
“The parole board’s decisions are so important to public safety for Georgia communities. I understand that role as one of five people making parole decisions and am honored to serve in this capacity. I look forward to working with the other members and staff at the agency,” said Waters.
Waters replaces David Herring on the Board. Herring's seven-year term ended December 31, 2025.
McCoy’s career as a public servant has been as a victim advocate, serving both Cherokee and Cobb County. She retired last year from the Cobb Family Justice Center and previously had served twenty- five years as the director of the Victim-Witness