Executive Board Members

President Charlene Heard began her career in Law Enforcement with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office in 1989 as a Deputy Sheriff. She advanced through the ranks to become the first female Major in the Law Enforcement Division of the Sheriff’s Office. After 27 years for dedicated service, she retired in December 2016.  President Heard was elected to this position by the members on 12/19/2019. 

Cell: 404.680.0071 | Email: charleneheard@fop.net

Past President Howard Billingslea was the president of Fulton County Lodge #64, from 1996-2018.  He retired from the Fulton County Marshal's Department with 25 years of service.  Fulton County Executive Board member from 1984 to present.  He has held the position of State Trustee, Vice President, President, and Past President.  He has sat on the Georgia Fraternal Order Of Police Executive Board for six years.  He was appointed to the National Fraternal Order of Police, Easter Seals Committee 1992 to present.  He was the Chairman of the Georgia Easter Seals Committee.  Also, he serves on the Easter Seals of North Georgia Board of Directors, a position held secretary, vice chairman and chairman of the board.

Cell: 770.861.0912 | Email: billingsleah@bellsouth.net 

Second Vice President Elbert Carter began his career with the Fulton County Sheriff's Office in 1988. He had the privilege of working in the Jail Division, Courts and Administrative Division. Second Vice President Carter was elected to this position by the members on 12/19/2019. -- Elbert Carter retired from the Fulton County Sheriffs Office in October of 2011, as a captain, and Commander of the Office of Professional Standards. -- Part of 2nd VP Carter's duties include Chairman of the Training Committee and Chairman of the Legal Defense Plan. Second Vice President Carter served as Sergeant at Arms prior to being elected to this position.

Cell: 678.575.8454 | Email: ecarter@bellsouth.net

Secretary Adrienne Grooms was elected by the members on 12/19/2019. 

Adrienne Grooms retired from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office in Atlanta, GA where she was assigned to Administration. After 28 years of dedicated service, she retired in July 2018. 

Cell: 404.444.8373 | email : adriennegroomsfop@gmail.com

Andrea Thomas was elected by the members on 11/21/2019.

Andrea Thomas is from Columbus, GA   She attended Baker High School.  She received a BA from Morris Brown College, Criminal Justice in 1984.  She began her career at the FCSO 1985. 

She retired from the Fulton County Sheriff's Office in December 2012 in which she gained over 20+ years of experience with managing the following areas for 5,000 inmates and staff at the Fulton County Jail.  The areas are: inmate commissary, inmate property, sanitation, building grounds, inmate programs and inmate classification just to name a few of her primary duties during her employment. 

Cell: 678.576.7306 | Email: andreathomas@fop.net

Leif A. Howard, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, has built an impressive career in law and athletics. A former basketball player for Tucker High School and collegiate teams at Loyola University and the University of Georgia, Leif graduated from UGA’s law school in 2007, earning recognition as “Most Likely to Win a Million Dollar Verdict.” He began his legal career in real estate and contract litigation at a prominent Florida law firm before returning to Georgia in 2010 as a Senior Assistant District Attorney, where he led over 25 murder trials, secured Georgia’s fastest jury verdict (8 minutes), and received the Major Case Lawyer of the Year Award. Since joining The Howard Law Firm in 2016, Leif has excelled in civil litigation and criminal defense, leveraging his prosecutorial experience to build strong cases, locate key evidence, and achieve favorable outcomes for clients. Dedicated to clear communication and strategic advocacy, Leif continues to deliver exceptional legal representation.

Phone: 770.270.5080 | Email: Lhoward@howardfirm.com