ATLANTA – The Georgia Public Defender Council recognized graduates of the GPDC Leadership Academy during a ceremony at the Georgia State Capitol.

The May 30, 2025, event brought together graduates, agency leadership, state representatives, stakeholders, and guests to acknowledge both the completion of the program and the professional development that took place over the past year.

Clayton Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge Jewel C. Scott’s keynote address drew from her experience in public service. She reminded attendees that leadership is often grounded in quiet perseverance rather than status or visibility. “Leadership is motion, not a microphone,” she said. “True leaders may not always be appreciated, but they never forget their purpose.”

Judge Scott’s message was amplified by Tracy Arner, Interim Associate Director at the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, who spoke to the value of ongoing professional development.

“You’ve committed to growing in your profession, and that is what leadership truly looks like,” she said. “This program has helped strengthen your voice, your vision, and your influence across the state.”

Launched in partnership with The University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, the GPDC Leadership Academy builds purpose-driven, values-based leaders within Georgia’s indigent defense system. It strengthens the leadership capacity of attorneys who serve across Georgia’s public defense system by enhancing their professional skills, strategic thinking, and ethical foundation.

The Academy’s participants are GPDC attorneys who represent indigent criminal defendant clients across the state. Over the course of one year, they engage in 28 days of leadership development classes featuring collaborative work, and project-based learning focused on improving public defense practices and outcomes.

GPDC Executive Director Omotayo Alli congratulated the graduates.

“I am very proud of this group of dedicated public defenders who have committed to growing their skills for the betterment of our agency and for the benefit of all Georgians.”

Graduates shared capstone projects, which included a statewide rehabilitation program database, a mentoring model for new attorneys, and a gardening initiative supporting youth in detention centers. These projects reflect the practical and service-oriented nature of the Leadership Academy.

Graduates also reflected on their experiences during the program.

Assistant Public Defender Aisha Broderick, of the Specialized Unit in Atlanta, shared that she was initially hesitant to join, questioning whether she truly belonged. “But I learned that leadership is not about titles. It’s about being someone who steps up and supports others,” she said.

Senoqua Claiborne, an assistant public defender in the Dougherty Circuit,  emphasized the role of teamwork. “Leadership comes in many forms, but working together brings out the best ideas. I returned to my office more open and ready to build with others.”

Circuit Public Defender Ricardo Samper of the Coweta Circuit spoke about personal growth over the course of the program. “At first I wondered what I had gotten myself into, but by the end I found myself encouraging others to apply. The lessons stuck with me, and I’ve already seen the results.”

Ashley McLaughlin, Circuit Public Defender in South Georgia’s Oconee Judicial Circuit  said the program affected him both personally and professionally. “I didn’t just become a better public defender. I became a better person. The faculty and staff challenged us, supported us, and brought out strengths I didn’t know I had.”

Paulding Circuit Chief Public Defender Michael Syrop closed the program with a vote of thanks and expressed appreciation for the instructors and agency leadership. “This program, and Ms. Alli in particular, changed my life for the better. I’m a better lawyer, leader, and person because of what I experienced here.”

In Georgia, public defenders are the frontline champions of justice. Every day, these dedicated, bar-licensed attorneys passionately defend the rights of low-income and underserved community members—ensuring that every person receives a fair trial. Representing approximately 85% of criminal defendants in the state, Georgia Public Defender Council attorneys are committed to equal justice through their unwavering dedication to keeping our justice system fair and accessible for all. Learn more at www.gapubdef.org