U.S. Attorney Phillip W. Williams Jr. announced on July 27 promotions and organizational changes within the Northern District of Alabama, including the creation of a National Security Section in the Criminal Division.
Williams said, “From day-one on the job I have been impressed with the caliber of personnel in the U.S. Attorney’s Office. These promotions are well earned!” He added, “Additionally, it is my sense that a refined focus on national security and homeland defense issues is warranted. I am pleased to bring that into reality with the advent of a newly formed National Security section in our Criminal Division.”
Catherine L. Crosby will continue as First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the district after serving multiple roles over recent months, including Acting U.S. Attorney for three months. Kristy Peoples has been appointed Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney and will supervise several departments including a new media department while also acting as an ambassador to law enforcement agencies and working on special projects.
Jonathan B. Ward has been named Criminal Division Chief as that division expands with additional assistant attorneys, two Senior Litigation Counsel positions, Asset Forfeiture, Victims’ Team support, and a newly established National Security Section led by Deputy Chief Henry Cornelius. Brittany Byrd will serve as Deputy Chief over Violent Crime while Daniel McBrayer takes up Deputy Chief duties over White-Collar Fraud; both will manage paralegals assigned to their sections and maintain active caseloads.
Will McComb joins Ryan Rummage as Senior Litigation Counsel to mentor newer attorneys across divisions regarding best practices and strategies.
Williams said, “Strong leadership is essential to the success of any organization,” adding his confidence that these leaders would provide “the experience, integrity, and dedication necessary to move our office forward.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama represents federal interests in court proceedings involving criminal prosecution and civil litigation for more than 2.8 million people across 31 counties—including Birmingham and Huntsville—with staff based at offices in both cities, according to the official website. The office advances community safety through public engagement initiatives; it prosecutes federal crimes, defends civil cases involving government interests, recovers funds lost due to fraud or misconduct by contractors or individuals; it operates under oversight from the Department of Justice.