Leadership Academy Class Encouraged by Graduate Gina Bernard

Gina Bernard, Circuit Public Defender, Rockdale Judicial Circuit

Stone Mountain, GA - Rockdale Circuit Public Defender Gina Bernard told members of the 2024-2025 Georgia Public Defender Council (GPDC) Leadership Academy that the program had a transformative effect on her professional and personal development, enhancing her skills in collaborating with legal professionals and government officials.

Speaking at the Nov. 7-8 session, Bernard-a graduate of the 2024-2025 GPDC Leadership Academy-highlighted the capstone project as a key positive from her experience. This project gave her valuable exposure to high-level officials, honed her communication skills, and deepened her understanding of agency operations and lesser-known programs.

"I would advise you to take the capstone seriously because you get to speak with people from the governor's office, GPDC leaders like Director Omotayo Alli, and Natalie Glaser, the Chief Legal Officer, among others," she said.

Bernard's Capstone Project team focused on the potential benefits of underutilized functions within GPDC's Justice Case Activity Tracking System (JCATS).

"The reason we chose JCATS is because two classmates weren't aware of all it could do-like storing motions and other documents within the application. We figured if they didn't know, others across the state agency might not either," she explained.

The academy also helped Bernard develop skills in budget management and tailoring presentations for diverse audiences.

"Before I became a Circuit Public Defender, I didn't work with budgets or present to the Board of Commissioners. When I took on the CPD role, I had to speak to the board to secure funding for my office, and I used a lot of what I learned in this program," she shared.

Bernard encouraged participants to fully engage in the Leadership Academy, emphasizing its value for continuous learning, networking, and professional growth.

"I wanted to do this program because I'm always trying to move forward in my career. I'd been in DeKalb for over 15 years and was ready for a change," she said. "I was thrilled to join this program, and it's been so beneficial. I hadn't considered becoming a CPD, but when an opening appeared, I applied immediately. The academy continues to be helpful as I grow in this position, particularly in managing people and working with both state and county HR departments-a unique challenge."

Another benefit was the professional connections she forged across the state and the ongoing communication and collaboration with her academy classmates.

"You get to know your classmates and build a network of people you can count on as you advance within the agency. So make sure you exchange contact information and stay in touch. Our group still keeps in touch through our group email," she said.

The Leadership Academy also helped Bernard balance personal commitments with work responsibilities-a valuable skill in her role as Circuit Public Defender, where she manages a diverse team.

"I know a lot of you are wondering how to fit this into your work. I've been there too, with court, trials, and everything else. But take it seriously and get as much out of it as you can. And remember, it's free!"

The nine-session GPDC Leadership Academy combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications, offering workshops and individual assessments led by professional educators from the University of Georgia's Carl Vinson Institute of Government. Participants develop skills in strategic thinking, communication, decision-making, conflict resolution, organizational management, and budgeting.

2024-2025 Leadership Academy participants engage in a dynamic group activity, fostering collaboration and teamwork.

According to GPDC Director Omotayo Alli, graduates of the academy are well-prepared to assume leadership roles within GPDC and to become influential agents of change in their communities. The Leadership Academy is part of a series of innovations Alli has implemented since her appointment in late 2019 by Governor Brian Kemp.

The Georgia Public Defender Council provides legal representation to approximately 85 percent of individuals charged with crimes in Georgia. Established in 2003 by Georgia's General Assembly, the Council operates offices across each of Georgia's 10 judicial circuits, representing defendants in Juvenile, State, and Superior Courts. Learn more at www.gapubdef.org.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.