The newly formed Council on Criminal Justice has selected Alabama State Senator Cam Ward (R-Alabaster) to be one of its founding members.

Launched in July 2019, the Council on Criminal Justice (CCJ) is a nonpartisan group that aims to increase knowledge of and build consensus solutions around criminal justice policy.

The CCJ’s Board of Trustees includes conservative U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and liberal former California Governor Jerry Brown (D).

Ward will be a part of the Council’s inaugural membership class that includes, among many, former Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-SC) along with fellow Alabamian and MSNBC contributor Joyce White Vance.

According to the Council’s website, “Membership serves as acknowledgement of the accomplishments of established leaders and as an honor to which the next generation of criminal justice trailblazers can aspire.”

The members of Ward’s inaugural class were nominated by the Directors and Trustees of the CCJ, vetted through a committee, and elected by the board of directors.

Ward chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee in the Alabama Senate and has had a role in most major criminal justice policymaking in Alabama during his time as a lawmaker.

“There is never a better time for a more fair & effective justice system. Thrilled to join [Council on Criminal Justice] as a newly elected member. Let’s get to work on [criminal justice reform],” wrote Ward on Twitter.

Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: henry@new-yhn.local or on Twitter @HenryThornton95