Holmes, Chair of the parole Board
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Joyette Holmes serves as Chair of the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles for FY 2026. Holmes was chosen by the board to be chair at the agency’s monthly operational meeting last September.
The meeting was held on the campus of Valdosta State University. The meeting location had significance since Holmes is a native of Valdosta.
Holmes becomes the second African American woman to serve as Chairman of the Georgia Parole Board. Mamie B. Reese served as Chair from July 1, 1976, to October 1, 1977.
“It is not a position to be taken for granted or taken lightly and so I do accept the responsibility. I pray that my experience throughout serving in public safety whether it was representing people as a Solicitor, a District Attorney or even as serving as Chief Magistrate Judge, that every piece of information and experiences that I have had in those roles will help lead me through what has to be done with this board.
I am appreciative of the Board’s leadership and operational team(s) that provide daily support so that we can make the decisions that we make,” stated Holmes.
Holmes was appointed to the Parole Board in January of 2024.
Former Glynn County Sheriff Wayne Bennett was selected as Vice Chair for FY 2026.
Bennett was appointed to the Board in March of 2024.
The September meeting was moved away from Atlanta to reach more stakeholders, says Chris Barnett, the Executive Director for the Board.
“The community is a major stakeholder in the parole process. We want our citizens involved, and that is why we engage and seek to educate everyone regarding our critical public safety mission," stated Barnett.
A career fair for students was also held.