ATLANTA - Tommy Lowmon is the communications and training coordinator with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. However, his path to success wasn’t the usual one. Lowmon is a convicted felon, but also the recipient of a second chance by way of a pardon granted by the State Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Lowmon spoke to the Parole Board today at the agency’s monthly meeting and talked about the impact the granted pardon has had not only on himself and his family but for many others. He says his pardon shows others that they can succeed despite a felony past.

“It shows that just because you’ve made a mistake, it doesn’t mean that’s the end of your life, it doesn’t mean that you can’t be productive,” Lowmon told the Board Members.

“I want these guys coming out of prison or who have been in trouble to know that not only can you come out and exist; be a productive citizen, but you can go as far as you want to go.”

Lowmon says the Parole Board’s work is meaningful to so many.

“You’re giving people hope. You’re not just helping the person move up a little bit or move a little further in their career, but you’re helping them make an impact and impression in their family first and their community, and with other guys they come in contact with.”

Through many programs including a men’s ministry and a drug rehab center, Lowmon mentors others, sharing his story of success and providing hope.

Lowmon was granted a pardon and restoration of firearm rights in 2013 by the Board. That was eight years after completing sentences for robbery and possession. He says his employer confirmed the Board’s pardon was beneficial in allowing Lowmon to be hired.

Parole Board Chairman Terry Barnard told Lowmon, “You certainly earned the right to be pardoned.”

In fiscal year 2016, the Parole Board received 1,479 applications seeking pardons, restorations of firearm rights or restorations of civil and political rights. Six hundred-eighty seven (687) were granted.

To be eligible for a pardon, offenders must be crime free for a minimum of five years following the completion of all sentences. Offenders can seek restoration of political and civil rights two years after completing all sentences. A pardon does not expunge or erase an offender's criminal record but is an act of official forgiveness on the part of the state. To learn more about the pardon process go to

https://pap.georgia.gov/pardons-restoration-rights.

To learn more about the Parole Board please contact Steve Hayes at 404-657-9450 or [email protected] or visit our website at www.pap.georgia.gov.

###