Cobb Reporter

Two Cobb County residents have been appointed as board members to the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).

Joyette Marie Holmes and Timothy Dewayne McCulley of Cobb County, along with Kathryn Lauranne Powers of Clayton County, were recently appointed to the DJJ.

"The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice welcomes Timothy Dewayne McCulley of Cobb County, Ga., to the Juvenile Justice Board," DJJ wrote on Facebook July 26.

In his new role, McCulley will represent the 14th Congressional District, serving as a replacement for Elaine Snow, whose term ended on July 6. The Philadelphia Baptist Church pastor and Philadelphia Christian School/North Georgia Baptist College founder will also serve on the board of the Rock of Ages ministry.

Serving as the 11th Congressional District representative, Holmes, who works for the Gregory Doyle Calhoun & Rogers law firm, will replace Dick Yarbrough, whose term also expired earlier this month. According to a related press release, the former elected chief magistrate judge for the Cobb Judicial Circuit also previously served as district attorney for the Cobb Judicial Circuit. 

Kathryn Lauranne Powers was also appointed to serve on the current board of members for a five-year term.

"I am honored to appoint three new board members of the Department of Juvenile Justice," said Gov. Brian Kemp. "Each of these individuals has proven their commitment to improving the juvenile justice system in our state and impacting the lives of Georgia's youth. I look forward to working alongside them to accomplish the goals set forth by the DJJ and the State of Georgia."

The DJJ, made up of attorneys, law enforcement, public servants, and other professionals, aims to improve the juvenile system in the state of Georgia. The agency offers guidance through the development of various juvenile rehabilitation programs. The new board members’ five-year terms are set to expire on July 6, 2026, the release notes.

"We welcome our three new members to the Department of Juvenile Justice Board," said DJJ Commissioner Tyrone Oliver. "I look forward to working with them as we strive to transform and rehabilitate the young lives in our care."