College Launches New Speaker Series, First Event to Focus on “Leadership in Law”

The College of Coastal Georgia is proud to announce the launch of a new speaker series titled Mariner Talks: Voices that Shape the Coast. The purpose of Mariner Talks is to foster meaningful connections between the campus and community by bringing thought leaders to share diverse perspectives.

The first installment of Mariner Talks, “Leadership in Law: From the Courtroom to the White House,” will feature Larry D. Thompson, former deputy attorney general of the United States, and the Hon. Timothy R. Walmsley, superior court judge of the Eastern Circuit of Georgia. The event will take place Thursday, Feb. 26, starting at 6 p.m. in Stembler Theatre, located in the Campus Center on the Brunswick campus.

Former Deputy Attorney General of the United States Larry D. Thompson

The College is honored to feature two distinguished guest speakers whose careers represent the highest levels of legal leadership and public service. Thompson has spent his career at the highest levels of law and public service. He served as the U.S. deputy attorney general—the second-highest position in the Department of Justice—where he helped lead national security efforts and federal prosecutions. Before that, he was the U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, tackling major corruption and drug trafficking cases. Outside of government, he also held senior roles at PepsiCo, including executive vice president and general counsel. His longstanding reputation for integrity and fairness has earned him national recognition.

Hon. Timothy R. Walmsley, superior court judge of the Eastern Circuit of Georgia

Walmsley has served on the superior court bench since 2012 and has built a reputation for being thoughtful, fair, and deeply committed to his community. Before becoming a judge, he worked extensively in commercial and real estate litigation and served as a part-time magistrate in Chatham County. His broad experience—from private practice to presiding over complex and high-profile cases—gives him a grounded, real-world perspective that resonates with both attorneys and citizens alike.

The moderator of “Leadership in Law” will be J. Alexander Atwood, former chief magistrate judge of Glynn County, and current assistant professor at the College. Atwood has served as a special agent and supervisory special agent in multiple federal agencies, has more than three decades of military service as a U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Colonel, and represented his community in the Georgia House of Representatives. Now, as a professor at the College, Atwood teaches and mentors the next generation of leaders.

Through intellectually engaging and culturally enriching dialogue, Mariner Talks aims to inspire curiosity, broaden understanding, and strengthen a vibrant culture of shared learning. Mariner Talks is free and open to the public.

For more information about Mariner Talks, visit www.ccga.edu/mariner-talks.