Montomgery, AL – Last week, Chief Deputy Attorney General Clay Crenshaw, on behalf of Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, presented the inaugural Carolyn Potter Outstanding Anti-Human Trafficking Service Award. This new honor recognizes individuals or organizations demonstrating exceptional leadership and impact in the fight against human trafficking across Alabama.
The award is named after Carolyn Potter, CEO of The WellHouse, a nationally recognized residential program for trafficking survivors located near Birmingham. Under Potter’s leadership, The WellHouse has grown into the largest single-site residential home for survivors of human trafficking in the United States. Her work over the past decade has influenced anti-trafficking strategies both within Alabama and beyond.
The 2025 award was presented to Investigator Jessica Wilson of the West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force. Over the past six years, Wilson has taken a leading role in efforts to combat trafficking in her region. In the past year alone, she participated in the execution of 63 search warrants and 54 felony warrants. She was also recently recognized as the Exchange Club Officer of the Year in Tuscaloosa.
In addition to her casework, Wilson is known for her work as a trainer, educating law enforcement and community organizations on how to identify and respond to human trafficking. She was selected for the award due to her consistent advocacy for victims and her commitment to equipping others to respond effectively to trafficking cases.
The Carolyn Potter Award is part of the broader efforts of the Alabama Anti-Human Trafficking Alliance, a statewide initiative led by the Attorney General’s Office. The Alliance brings together law enforcement, service providers, state agencies, and local organizations to develop a coordinated, trauma-informed response to trafficking.
Attorney General Steve Marshall described the fight against trafficking as one that requires both compassion and determination. “Investigator Wilson and Carolyn Potter embody the very best of Alabama in this fight,” he stated. “Their courage and commitment are saving lives, and their work is a model for the nation.”
