DEKALB COUNTY – August 25, 2026. Partners for Justice (PFJ), a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to transforming public defense across the country, has recognized Commissioner Ted Terry for his advocacy in support of public defense.
“Commissioner Terry’s leadership, innovative thinking, and support of public defense makes him a natural recipient of the Champion Award,” said PFJ cofounder and executive director Emily Galvin Almanza. Almanza called Commissioner Terry ‘smart on crime’ and commended the example he sets as an elected official who sees the value in public service and can see the person beyond the conviction.
“When supported by local lawmakers, public defenders can be incredible drivers of public safety, economic mobility, public health, and thriving communities,” said Almanza.
The PFJ Champion Award is now in its second year, and the recognition is given to public policy leaders who demonstrate exceptional commitment to investing in public defense and equal justice. In 2026, PFJ recognizes Commissioner Ted Terry’s unwavering commitment to the municipal resources that offset higher incarceration rates, highlighting his advocacy for housing, transportation options, early prevention measures, and addressing income inequality.
“It is an honor to be recognized by Partners for Justice,” said Commissioner Ted Terry. “As an elected leader, it is my responsibility to advocate for all citizens in DeKalb County. Each of us has the right to fair representation in the court of law, which is made possible through the work of public defenders. I commend Partners for Justice for their commitment to equal justice for all and their efforts to grow the next generation of public defense advocates.”
Commissioner Terry will receive the award on Wednesday, September 16 at 12:45 PM during the Partners for Justice annual national conference held at the Georgian Terrace Hotel.
ABOUT Partners for Justice:
Partners for Justice was founded in 2018 and has worked across 23 states, establishing 45 partnerships with individual public defender agencies. In 2024, Partners for Justice (PFJ) formed a partnership with The Law Office of the DeKalb County Public Defender and placed a team of Client Advocates in DeKalb County.
Those advocates were selected and trained by PFJ to assist defender clients and defense teams with non-legal case matters, including providing mitigation and connecting clients with critical social services.
Since that time, PFJ Advocates have assisted over 200 individuals in successfully achieving their goals over 75% of the time. As a result, more Georgians have found stable housing, gained economic mobility, accessed healthcare, and successfully navigated the terms of their criminal cases. Nationwide, PFJ Client Advocates have served over 33,000 individuals, eliminating more than 11,000 combined years of potential incarceration.