David Nelson Powell, Worthington, was senior council at the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council (IPAC) until his retirement in October 2024. Powell served as Executive Director at IPAC from 2011-2019. IPAC is a non-partisan, independent state agency. While Executive Director, Powell reported to IPAC’s Board of Directors, who are elected by Indiana’s elected prosecutors and chief deputy prosecutors. Powell obtained his undergraduate degree from Indiana University in Bloomington and then earned his juris doctorate, in 1981, from Indiana University in Indianapolis, Indiana. After law school, Powell served as faculty at the Yokota Air Base in Japan, University of Maryland Extension as an undergraduate business law instructor from 1982-1985. Powell is a 30-year veteran and retired colonel of the United States Air Force. His previous legal experience in the military includes service as a judge advocate for many years. Powell operated a solo practice from 1987-1996 while also serving as the part-time elected Greene County Prosecutor. From 1997-2006, Powell served as the full-time elected Greene County Prosecutor. Powell has served on several state boards, commissions, and task forces, including the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute Board, the Indiana Commission on Improving the Status of Children, and the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative. Powell has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Sagamore of the Wabash (2019), IPAC’s Steve Johnson Award (2019), Distinguished Hoosier (2011), and the “Shine” Feller Award (2006).
Pursuant to I.C. 33-27-2-8(b)(4), Powell submits the following statement concerning his efforts and achievements towards the improvement of the administration of justice:
Competency, service and civility are the keystones to our profession!
Quality training/CLE is a force multiplier and coupled with experience rapidly enhances competency. I have served as course designer/director and faculty. I have provided legal training in Indiana and other states to thousands of people over the years including Judges, attorneys (military and civilian), law enforcement officers, legislators and community leaders.
I believe in service. An example from my biography includes the work spent drafting and editing the current Indiana criminal code as an active member of Indiana’s “Criminal Code Evaluation Commission”.
Lack of civility is a threat to the legal profession. Judicial officers must provide leadership here. When attorneys disrespect the bench, they disrespect their profession. I have met with judges, at every level, and stressed the need for them to demonstrate civility and demand the same from counsel in the courtroom.
I have spent most of my career in service to the nation, state and local community. Hopefully, my biography provides some context to the level of effort I have given to improve the administration of justice and public safety. I hope to continue that work on your behalf as a commission member.