ATHENS, Ga. — May 15, 2025 —  Before a room filled with proud graduates, their families, public service colleagues, and community supporters, Omotayo B. Alli, Executive Director of the Georgia Public Defender Council (GPDC) delivered the keynote address for the Certified Public Manager® (CPM) Program graduation.

Alli praised the 104 graduates for their “resilience, energy, and grit,” applauding them for navigating a challenging academic program while balancing full-time careers, family life, and community responsibilities.

“You invested time. You invested energy. You were resilient,” Alli said. “You said, I’m going to get this done, and you did.”

Recognizing a Rigorous Path to Leadership

Graduates of the 300-hour program administered by University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government completed 24 comprehensive subject modules, including capstone projects, 360-degree assessments, and extensive group work.

Alli guided the audience in a powerful, interactive acknowledgment of their achievement, inviting participants to stand for each completed challenge.

“If you finished your presentations, your 360 assessments, your capstone—and you still managed your family and workplace demands—that’s the mark of leadership,” she said. “Now give yourselves a round of applause.”

Alli brought more than three decades of public service leadership to the podium. She was appointed executive director of GPDC in 2020 by Gov. Brian Kemp, becoming the first woman and the first person of color to lead the statewide agency. Under her leadership, GPDC advanced major reforms in indigent defense, expanded training and financial support for public defenders, and strengthened the agency’s infrastructure across Georgia.

Before her appointment, Alli served as chief administrative officer for the Fulton County Juvenile Court, where she spearheaded progressive, evidence-based diversion programs and created a court-based school for court-involved youth. She previously served as the first director of Fulton County Child Attorneys, where she increased the office’s operating budget and improved its compliance with federal performance mandates.

CPM: A Badge of Readiness and Excellence

Alli emphasized the high value of the CPM credential in public hiring and leadership selection.

“When I see CPM on a résumé,” she said, “the interview is almost over—because I know they’ve been taught how to lead, how to listen, how to think.”

She credited the Carl Vinson Institute with producing public servants who are prepared to make organizational impact, champion public service excellence, and foster professional collaboration.

“You don’t just leave with knowledge—you leave with wisdom,” she said.

Leadership Lessons Rooted in Experience

Alli wove together personal stories and professional insight, offering graduates practical lessons she learned through decades of leadership in Georgia’s justice system:

Know the Business and Its History

“If you don’t understand your organization’s purpose and past, you’ll create communication gaps—and I promise you, employees will fill those gaps with their own version of the truth.”

Know Yourself

“I used to introduce myself as ‘Tayo,’ and people thought I was saying ‘I’m tired.’ Imagine the perception that created in a workplace. Now, I say: I am Omotayo Ali. Know how people hear you. Know how you show up.”

Be Respectful and Use Discretion Wisely

“You’re not in real estate—don’t issue eviction notices to employees. You’re in public service. Mentor first. Coach first. Be transformative, not destructive.”

Admit Mistakes and Accept Feedback

“I once double-booked myself with four people at the same time. Why? Because I refused help. And yes, my staff told me—politely. Accept when your team manages up. It means they care.”

Seek Mentorship

“Before you fire Jesse—call someone. Let them talk you off the ledge. That phone call could save a career—and yours.”

Prioritize Wellness

“If you don’t manage stress, you’ll be managing copays. And those are expensive. Take care of yourself—because your organization needs you whole.”

Celebrating Leadership and Community Impact

Alli reminded graduates that they now carry the responsibility—and opportunity—of public leadership:

“The Institute has trained you to be products of excellence, not products of liability. Wherever you go, make life better for your employees, for your teams, and for your communities.”

She also gifted 10 randomly selected graduates with leadership books from her personal collection.

“A small gift from me to you—because I believe in the future you’re going to build.”

For more information about the Certified Public Manager program, visit https://www.cviog.uga.edu/training/leadership-development/cpm.html

About the Georgia Public Defender Council

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 keep our justice system fair and accessible for all. Learn more at www.gapubdef.org