U.S. Attorney Phillip W. Williams Jr. has announced a series of leadership promotions and organizational changes within the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama, including the creation of a new National Security Section focused on homeland defense and national security cases.
The changes come less than two months after Williams was sworn in as the presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed U.S. Attorney for Alabama’s Northern District.
“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!” Williams said. “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.”
Williams announced that Catherine L. Crosby will remain First Assistant U.S. Attorney. Over the past five months, Crosby has simultaneously served as first assistant, criminal division chief, executive assistant U.S. Attorney and, for three months, acting U.S. Attorney.
Kristy Peoples, previously deputy chief, has been promoted to executive assistant U.S. Attorney. In her new role, she will oversee the office’s Discovery Center, Law Enforcement Coordination Committee and a newly established media department while serving as a liaison with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and district attorneys.
Jonathan B. Ward has been promoted from deputy chief to chief of the Criminal Division. Under his leadership, the division will expand with additional assistant U.S. attorneys, two senior litigation counsel, the new National Security Section, asset forfeiture personnel and the victims’ team.
Williams also announced that Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany Byrd will serve as deputy chief overseeing the Violent Crime Section, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel McBrayer will lead the White-Collar Fraud Section.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Will McComb has been named the office’s second senior litigation counsel, joining Ryan Rummage. The pair will provide mentorship and litigation support to assistant U.S. attorneys across the office.
Effective July 26, Williams established a new National Security Section within the Criminal Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry Cornelius will serve as the section’s first deputy chief and oversee prosecutors handling national security matters.
“Strong leadership is essential to the success of any organization,” Williams said. “I am confident these leaders will continue to bring the experience, integrity, and dedication necessary to move our office forward.”
Williams was sworn in as U.S. Attorney in May after being nominated by President Donald Trump and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. He succeeded Prim Escalona, who led the Northern District since 2020.
A former Alabama state senator, Army Reserve colonel and Gadsden attorney, Williams said upon taking office that he intended to strengthen partnerships between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama serves 31 counties, including Birmingham, Huntsville and Tuscaloosa, and represents the federal government in criminal prosecutions and civil litigation. The district serves more than 2.8 million residents and maintains offices in Birmingham and Huntsville.
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