LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee

District Attorney Fani T. Willis has a history of demonstrating her commitment to protecting Fulton County's LGBTQ population from harm since her early days as a prosecutor. With the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Program Grant funding, her office will focus on supporting the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring that hate crimes are not tolerated or forgotten. The grant also supports a committee that ensures LGBTQ+ cases are adequately handled. Unfortunately, hate crimes are often underreported due to victims' lack of confidence in law enforcement. Charging decisions in such cases can significantly impact the subsequent course of action, affecting bail, plea deals, and sentencing. Although Georgia's new hate crimes law doesn't provide for standalone hate crime charges, the grant aims to work with the LGBTQ+ community to improve criminal justice administrators' understanding and recommend training. The DA's staff actively seeks cases that may involve hate crimes while making reporting pathways more accessible and advocating for justice.

Kevin Armstrong

Deputy District Attorney, Lead Attorney Over Grants

Meet Kevin Armstrong, a dedicated legal professional serving as Deputy District Attorney for our Appeals Unit. Additionally, he serves as the Lead Attorney overseeing the crucial Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Grant, which was entrusted to our office by the U.S. Department of Justice – Bureau of Justice Assistance.

Matthew Norwood

Chair

Meet Assistant District Attorney Norwood, our newly appointed Chair of the committee, bringing a fresh wave of excitement and dedication to serve as a strong advocate of justice for the LGBTQIA+ community. With compassion at the core of his advocacy, Matthew is committed to representing the interests of all individuals, fostering inclusivity and understanding.

Jeremy Murray

Co-Chair

Meet Jeremy Murray, an impassioned social justice professional with an impressive and impactful career spanning over 7 years. His unwavering dedication shines through as he has worked with over 70 social, political, nonprofit organizations, and campaigns, raising over $15 million for important political and nonprofit causes.

Will Wooten

Chair Emeritus

Will Wooten has dedicated his entire legal career to serving the community, working passionately as both a prosecutor and a public defender. With a diverse background, he has served as a prosecutor in the Clayton County District Attorney’s Office and the Gwinnett County Solicitor-General’s Office, as well as a public defender in Knoxville, Tennessee.