Atlanta – The State Board of Pardons and Paroles has selected James Williams, Jr., as the agency’s new Director of Clemency. The appointment is effective June 1, 2015.

Mr. Williams will lead the division that is responsible for the parole process which begins with the offender’s case being thoroughly investigated and ultimately resulting in the offender’s file being reviewed by the Board Members who determine whether to grant parole.

Mr. Williams’ career spans more than 32 years in the field of Criminal Justice. Interim Executive Director of Parole Christopher Barnett says Williams has a solid record of success.

“Following every promotion, success in that position has been the result for Williams,” stated Barnett. "The clemency process is a critical function for the Parole Board and requires a director who has the skills and leadership qualities that Williams possesses.”

After beginning his career as a deputy sheriff in Baldwin County in 1983, Mr. Williams joined the State Board of Pardons and Paroles in 1987 as a parole officer in the Milledgeville Parole Office. He was promoted to sub-office manager in the Eatonton Parole Office in 1993. Mr. Williams has served in many important capacities including, assistant chief parole officer, chief parole officer and northeast regional director where he oversaw the transition of the region to the virtual office environment. 

Mr. Williams has held positions as P.O.S.T. certified training instructor and criminal justice adjunct instructor at local colleges in Milledgeville and Madison. From 2009 to 2012, Mr. Williams was the appointee for the County Commissioners Association of Georgia to the Peace Officers Standards and Training Council (P.O.S.T.) where he also served as chairman of the Standards Training Committee. In 2013, Mr. Williams was promoted to Assistant Director of Field Operations for the State Board of Pardons and Paroles. 

James Williams has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s in public administration both from Georgia College and State University. Mr. Williams is a native of Milledgeville.

For more information please contact the Office of Communications, at 404-657-9450 or [email protected] or visit our website at www.pap.georgia.gov.