Leadership
Shawanda Reynolds-Cobb
Commissioner
Shawanda Reynolds-Cobb was appointed Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) on May 3, 2023, by Governor Brian P. Kemp. She is responsible for the daily operation of more than 2,600 funded employee positions that hold justice-involved youth accountable for their actions through probation supervision and secure detention.
Prior to her appointment, Commissioner Reynolds-Cobb served as Assistant Commissioner and Chief of Staff, overseeing the operational aspects of DJJ, including the Division of Administrative Services, Division of Community Services, Division of Secure Facilities, Division of Treatment and Care, and Office of Professional Development and Standards.
Commissioner Reynolds-Cobb has 33 years of experience in government service, beginning her career with the State of Georgia at the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) in 1993. While at CJCC, Mrs. Reynolds-Cobb managed the daily operations of the Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program, including the DUI Sign Program, Restitution Program, and the Training and Outreach Program. She also oversaw the Division budget and was the Legislative Liaison for CJCC.
In 2011, she joined the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice as Deputy Commissioner of Administrative Services, where she oversaw Contracts, Technology and Information Services, Engineering and Maintenance, Property/Records/Fleet, Grants/Real Estate/Strategic Planning, and Project Management. In the role of Deputy Commissioner, Commissioner Reynolds-Cobb worked closely with external agency partners on special projects to assist with furthering the mission of the Department.
In March 2022, Commissioner Reynolds-Cobb was named Assistant Commissioner/Chief of Staff to the DJJ Commissioner. In this role, she oversaw the Department’s leadership team and worked closely with staff on long-term agency strategies and initiatives and was appointed Commissioner of DJJ by Governor Brian Kemp on May 3, 2023. She serves on various boards and organizations to include the Department of Community Supervision Board, Behavioral Health Coordinating Council Board, Desire Street Ministries, GRACE Commission, Executive Member of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, Center for Juvenile Justice Reform, Georgia Executive Children’s Cabinet, Champion Circle for Atlanta Area Boy Scout Council Chair, and the Correctional News Board. In July 2025, Commissioner Reynolds-Cobb was appointed Vice President of the Council of Juvenile Justice Administrators, elected President of the Council of Juvenile Justice Administrators in August 2026 and received the President’s Award for her exemplary leadership and significant contributions made to the organization.
Commissioner Reynolds-Cobb earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Georgia State University in 1994 and her master’s degree in administration from Central Michigan University in 1999.
Commissioner Reynolds-Cobb is married to George Cobb and has two outstanding children.
Download an official photograph of DJJ Commissioner Shawanda Reynolds-Cobb
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