April W. Ross, Esq., is the Executive Director of the Georgia Commission on Family Violence (GCFV) and a leading voice in Georgia’s statewide response to end domestic violence through stronger systems, survivor safety, and abuser accountability. A graduate of Emory Law and a member of the Georgia Bar since 2011, she shifted from marketing to criminal law to fight for victims as a prosecutor—bringing both legal and business expertise (MBA, Florida A&M).

After surviving a 2014 domestic violence shooting that left her paralyzed, Ross turned her lived experience into even greater purpose—driving awareness, prevention, intervention, and equitable access to justice and services for every survivor across Georgia.

Less than two years after the nearly fatal attack, Ross returned to work and intensified her push for systemic change—earning her 2019 appointment by Governor Brian Kemp as Executive Director of the Georgia Commission on Family Violence. Blending proven leadership with lived experience, she is a powerful statewide voice for awareness, prevention, and intervention, educating communities, training professionals, and empowering survivors to reclaim their lives. Ross uses her story to spread awareness and advocate for change. But beyond using her voice, Ross turns her message into action. She has been recognized for her courage and has appeared on nationally syndicated shows, including The Doctors and The Jon Stewart Show.

Ross serves her community locally through membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Cascade United Methodist Church, and as a board member for the Bettie Brand Mothers’ Empowerment Fund and the Georgia Chapter of the United Spinal Association. She has also served as a peer mentor at the Shepherd Center for people recently injured by gun violence or domestic violence. She lives in metro Atlanta with her two dogs, Hershey and Lucy.