MACON, Ga. (WGXA) — The Macon NAACP president has gained a new title after being elected in charge of the state's chapter.

Gwenette Westbrooks was the chapter's president for Macon-Bibb county for 12 years and worked for the Department of Family and Children Services for nearly 2 decades, which she says makes her the right woman for the job.

"Things that I have seen across the state of Georgia that needs to be addressed...I think I was the best candidate to handle those type of issues", said Westbrooks.

She was elected into her new role by the state board of NAACP and had 1 opponent.

Now with her new title, Westbrooks says one of her biggest goals is focusing on the jail and prison systems. According to Westbrooks, many inmates have complained about not having access to their attorneys.

"We will be meeting with the key people that oversee the public defendants office to address the issues. When I go into the jails every week that's one of the main complaints and it's just in bibb county. This needs to be addressed across the state of Georgia", said Westbrooks.

Her other goals include improving mental health services, building relationships with all the counties, and focusing on K-12 education.

Westbrooks also says she plans on making sure each branch of Georgia's NAACP is up to date.

"Whatever laws have been passed, every branch in the state of Georgia needs to know that information. That's going to be some of the things I'm going to be really focusing on first to make sure our branches have everything they need to be effective in the communities", said Westbrooks.