IPAC chief Powell stepping down in October; successor chosen

A new leader has been selected to head the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council as longtime executive director David Powell announced his retirement from the role June 6. Powell has been a leading Statehouse voice advocating on criminal law matters for nearly a decade.

Powell

Powell, who has led the organization for nearly eight years, will step down this fall on Oct. 3 and officially retire Nov. 1. Chris Naylor, IPAC’s current assistant executive director, will succeed him as executive director. The IPAC board of directors officially named Naylor to the post during a board meeting earlier this year.

Powell spent 20 years as the Greene County Prosecutor, taking over as IPAC executive director in September 2011. At the time, Powell was selected to replace longtime executive director Stephen J. Johnson upon his retirement after more than 30 years.

As the organization’s leader, Powell provided IPAC training and resources for Indiana’s 91 elected prosecutors and their offices while advocating for prosecutors in the Indiana General Assembly. He also serves as a member of several policymaking boards to ensure the voice of prosecutors is heard when key decisions are made regarding law enforcement, criminal justice matters and community safety.

“Working at IPAC and supporting Indiana’s prosecutors has been a wonderful and rewarding experience,” Powell said in a statement. “I will always be grateful for the opportunity to serve Indiana’s hardworking prosecutors.”

Naylor

Naylor, a former elected prosecutor and deputy prosecutor for Jefferson and Switzerland counties, has served as IPAC’s assistant executive director since October 2013. He will become IPAC’s fourth executive director on Oct. 4.

Naylor also served as the Indiana securities commissioner from 2006 to 2013. He is a graduate of DePauw University, Indiana University Robert McKinney School of Law and Butler University, where he received his Master of Business Administration degree. Naylor and his wife, Lydia, have two young sons.

“I’m excited to lead the IPAC team as we endeavor to support the efforts of prosecutors, deputy prosecutors and their staffs who are dedicated to upholding justice and contributing to safe, vibrant and healthy communities across Indiana,” Naylor said. “I look forward to collaborating with our partners in all branches of state and local government to take on the challenges that lie ahead.”

IPAC will start the selection process for a new assistant executive director in June.•