Split Citizen Review Board Appoints Interim Exec. Director

By Jim Burress

Atlanta, GA – The only person to lead the executive arm of the Atlanta Citizen Review Board quit last month out of frustration with the city and police department.

Thursday night, the citizen board charged with investigating claims of police misconduct named an interim replacement.

Atlanta attorney Sharese Shields will step in to fill the opening left by Cris Beamud, according to board chair Joy Morrissey.

"Sharese was one of the original members that was appointed in the infancy of the board, and she was also the very first chairperson and served two terms," says Morrissey, adding that Shields is well-known and well-respected.

But the decision was not unanimous. Three members voted in favor, three opposed. Morrissey cast the deciding vote.

"I'm definitely going to challenge it," says Maceo Williams, Sr., the board's Vice Chair. He voted against Shields. Williams says there were a few reasons behind his vote, including budgetary concerns, the fact Shields will only work part-time, and Williams says the appointment could run afoul of city regulations, because Shields was recently a board member.

"Professionally, she has the experience of being a former board member. But ethically, it sends the wrong message from the board," he says.

Chair Joy Morrissey says she understands some members' frustrations.

"No one had a chance to really look for resumes. They would've liked to have seen the candidates in person. But given as quickly as we have moved, that just was not going to happen."

Attempts to reach Sharese Shields were unsuccessful. Her interim appointment will last no more than 90 days while the board conducts a nation-wide search for a permanent executive director.