News / FJP Releases
Fair and Just Prosecution Names Civil Rights Advocate and Former Florida State Attorney Aramis Ayala as New Executive Director
April 17, 2025 (Washington, D.C.) — Fair and Just Prosecution (FJP) is proud to announce that Aramis Ayala, a leading civil rights advocate and former elected prosecutor has been named its new Executive Director following a national search process. Ayala brings extensive experience, a deep commitment to equity, and a focus on supporting prosecutors working to build safer communities.
In 2016, Ayala made history as Florida’s first Black State Attorney when she was elected to represent Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit. Six years later, Ayala once again made history when she won the Florida Democratic Party’s nomination for State Attorney General, becoming the first Black woman to receive a major party nomination for State AG in Florida state history.
Ayala joins FJP at a critical time, as public safety faces growing threats from federal policies that are driving economic instability through harmful trade measures, cuts to local and community services and efforts to dismantle vital public institutions. These challenges are compounded by ongoing attacks on the courts, the rule of law, and the criminalization of constitutionally protected speech.
“At this pivotal moment in our nation’s history, America’s elected prosecutors need a visionary leader like Aramis Ayala,” said FJP Advisory Board Chair, Roy L. Austin, Jr. “Her unwavering commitment to our Constitution and the rule of law is matched only by her moral courage. Ayala will stand as both an ally and inspiration to every prosecutor who demonstrates through action that fairness, justice, and due process are not mere ideals, but fundamental rights belonging to every person in this country.”
Ayala’s career has demonstrated her life-long commitment to pursuing justice, and she has lent her voice to many important civil rights issues such as the fight against Florida’s controversial “Don’t Say Gay” Bill, and protecting women’s constitutional rights to privacy and access to essential reproductive healthcare – including the right to an abortion. In recognition of her long-standing leadership on death penalty abolition, Aramis was named as a recipient of the NAACP’s prestigious Civil Rights Champion of Justice Award in 2017.
During her tenure as State Attorney, Ayala was a national leader in pushing for greater support for victims of crime – particularly survivors of domestic violence. She also championed innovative policies ensuring the successful reentry of formerly incarcerated people, and fought for police accountability as a means of ensuring that law enforcement faithfully upheld their commitment to protect and serve their local communities.
“Now more than ever, prosecutors are on the front lines in the fight for justice, defending constitutional rights, protecting our communities, and standing up to attacks on the rule of law,” said FJP Executive Director Aramis Ayala. “FJP is here to back them up with the resources, access to experts, and technical assistance they need to reduce mass incarceration, protect civil rights, promote racial justice, and fight back against efforts to strip local leaders of their power to create real, community-driven change.”
STATEMENTS FROM FJP’S ADVISORY BOARD
“Aramis Ayala is the epitome of resilience, determination and progress,” said Wyandotte County District Attorney, Mark A. Dupree, Sr. “Her legal mind, experience, and passion for doing the right thing no matter what, are tailor-made to lead FJP through these trying times.”
“Aramis Ayala is a true visionary who understands that safety, accountability, and equity are not separate goals: none can exist without the other,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County and the City of Falls Church Parisa Dehghani-Tafti. “She is an experienced prosecutor who deeply understands the needs of all those who touch the criminal justice system. We are fortunate to have her leading FJP into its next stage.”
“Aramis understands the duty of the prosecutor to seek justice and to improve the systems that we build to deliver it,” said former King County (WA) Prosecuting Attorney, Dan Satterberg. “She is the right leader for these times.”
“Aramis has the passion and skills needed to lead FJP effectively during this time of transition,” said George Gascón, former District Attorney for Los Angeles, California. “Both newly elected prosecutors and seasoned veterans will benefit from her experience and counsel.”
“FJP is very fortunate to have found Aramis to lead us into these uncharted waters that we now navigate,” said Center for Children and Youth Justice Founding President and CEO Justice Bobbe J. Bridge (ret.). “She brings a perfect combination of equitable and inclusive management and leadership experience, self-confidence, energy, integrity, and passion for our mission.”