New Chairman, Appointments for Georgia’s DJJ Board

UPDATE: Commissioner Announces New Chairman to Head Georgia’s DJJ Board

At the request of the Governor’s Office, long-time Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice Board Chairman Ed Risler has stepped down after more than 10 years of service on the Board.

In an e-mail sent Monday to Board members and top officials at the DJJ, Risler said it was “a personal honor and privilege” to have served on the Board and commended the state’s DJJ employees for their “dedication and service.”

Risler’s departure comes after the expiration of his term in summer of 2011. During his tenure, Risler worked with five separate DJJ Commissioners.

The 15-member DJJ board is made up of representatives from Congressional districts around the state.

Risler’s Board seat representing the 10th Congressional district will be filled by Willie Bolton, current Warden for Athens-Clarke County.

The Board is set to vote on a new Chairman at tomorrow’s meeting

“The Board and the [DJJ] Commissioner greatly appreciate his years of service to the DJJ and the state,” DJJ spokesman Jim Shuler said. “This is routine Board business."

The DJJ Board acts in an advisory capacity, establishing general policy to be followed by the state’s DJJ, according the website. Members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate.

Additionally, Franklin Rozier will join the Board as a representative of the First Congressional District, a seat currently vacant. More appointments are expected from the governor in the coming months.

Risler hailed from the 10th Congressional District, a slice of the state represented until early 2011 by current Gov. Nathan Deal.

Photo credit: Clay Duda/JJIE