January 29, 2025
Georgia Innocence Project (GIP), an independent nonprofit committed to correcting and preventing wrongful convictions in Georgia and to assisting clients freed from wrongful conviction, is pleased to announce Kristin Verrill as its new Executive Director.
Selected by a dedicated search committee that worked in collaboration with staff and exonerees, Kristin brings more than twenty years of experience as a nonprofit attorney and leader. Most recently, she served as the founding Managing Attorney for the Atlanta Legal Aid Society’s Veterans Law Project.
Throughout her career, Kristin has been dedicated to meeting the needs of people in underserved and marginalized populations. In her previous roles, including Director of Grants and Innovation, she has built a strong track record of developing systems that enhance client support and securing resources to strengthen programs for often-overlooked communities. In recognition of this work, she received the Dan Bradley Award from the State Bar of Georgia in 2023.
Kristin earned her Juris Doctorate from Golden Gate University School of Law and her BA in English and Political Science from Miami University in Ohio.
In her most recent role, Kristin led a top-performing team of attorneys providing comprehensive legal support for low-income veterans. She not only directly represented clients, she also played a pivotal role in legislative advocacy efforts regarding landlord-tenant legislation.
Kristin also conducted a legal needs study of Georgia veterans, using its insights to shape her project’s strategic planning process. Under her leadership, the project obtained new funding sources, strengthened community partnerships, and grew into a diverse and driven team of seven.
Kristin shares, “I am excited to bring my legal experience to help Georgia Innocence Project prevent and correct wrongful convictions in Georgia. In particular, my work with veterans experiencing housing instability and criminal legal system involvement have helped prepare me for this vital role. It’s an honor to lead such a passionate team of staff and volunteers who are so dedicated to this work.”
Helping to guide a seamless transition is Clare Gilbert, GIP’s outgoing Executive Director and current Executive Transition Advisor. Clare has served as an inspiring and energizing leader over the last nine years. She leaves the organization to move with her family to Colorado.
Under her leadership, the organization has helped to secure the freedom and/or exoneration of nine men who lost a combined 251 years to wrongful conviction and incarceration for crimes they did not commit. Georgia Innocence Project is deeply grateful for Clare’s years of devotion and excited to build on our strong foundation.
Clare reflects, “Kristin brings the perfect combination of demonstrated leadership, shared organizational values, technology and efficiency expertise, and extensive fundraising experience. I am deeply heartened that she was selected to lead this incredible organization into its exciting next phase of growth and impact.”
Kristin began work on January 6, 2025 and has been delighted to meet many members of our community so far. She looks forward to continuing to connect with Georgia Innocence Project supporters and stakeholders in the coming year and beyond.
About Georgia Innocence Project (GIP)
Founded in 2002, Georgia Innocence Project’s mission is to correct and prevent wrongful convictions in Georgia and to assist clients freed from wrongful conviction. Georgia Innocence Project fights wrongful convictions holistically through legal representation, community education, advocating for policy reform, providing re-entry support, and working in partnership with those most directly impacted.
For more information, please reach out to comms@georgiainnocenceproject.org