Photograph courtesy of Atlanta History Center Advocacy | Nonprofit Organizations | Religion | Legends Douglas B. Ammar Executive Director Georgia Justice Project Douglas B. Ammar has been an active presence at Georgia Justice Project (GJP) since its beginning in 1986. Starting as a volunteer, then joining as a staff attorney in 1990, Ammar became executive director in 1995. GJP provides holistic criminal defense and social services while seeking systemic change in Georgia law that will reduce the number of people under correctional control and reduce barriers to reentry into society. During his leadership, GJP has helped to change 22 laws in Georgia, such as Senate Bill 288, which enables Georgians to have second chances by expanding access to record restriction and sealing for certain eligible Georgia criminal records. EDUCATION Davidson College, Washington and Lee University School of Law (JD) HOMETOWN Charleston, West Virginia WHY I CHOSE THIS WORK Growing up poor with an addicted, single-parent father, my childhood goal was to escape and live a life of comfort. But later, before law school, I felt called to return to the places and people I was running from. Being married to a
