Indiana Public Defender Council — 2026
Congratulations to the 2026 IPDC Award Recipients
Left to right: Bernice Corley, Executive Director, IPDC — Jacob Purcell, Zebulon Baird Award — Joanna Green, Gideon Award — Ashlin Orr, Gault Award — Denise Turner, Chair, IPDC Board of Directors
The Gideon Award
Joanna Green
The Gideon Award recognizes outstanding service on behalf of indigent clients in Indiana.
The Gault Award
Ashlin V. Orr
The Gault Award recognizes exceptional commitment to juvenile defense and the rights of young clients.
The Zebulon Baird Award
Jacob T. Purcell
The Zebulon Baird Award honors dedication to public defense, justice, and commitment to serving those in the law.
The Teresa Campbell Award
Tonya Mata
Tonya Mata was unable to attend the ceremony in person.
The Teresa Campbell Award recognizes outstanding support staff whose contributions are essential to the work of public defense in Indiana.
These exceptional defenders and support staff have demonstrated unwavering dedication to providing zealous advocacy and high-quality representation for indigent clients in Indiana. Their tireless efforts have a significant impact on lives and uphold the fundamental right to meaningful legal counsel.
Celebrate Their Achievements
Watch the 2026 IPDC Awards presentation
Indiana Public Defender Council
Gideon Award Recipients
Every year, IPDC selects a recipient for the esteemed Gideon Award, an honor reserved for an exceptional defender who embodies the qualities of a zealous advocate for indigent clients in Indiana, upholding the fundamental right to legal counsel established in Gideon v. Wainwright.
Year
Recipient
2026
Joanna Green
20262025
Kyle Dugger
2024
Andrew Foster
2023
Vickie R. Yaser
(co-recipient)2023
Mark A. Bates
(co-recipient)2022
Christopher P. Shema
(co-recipient)2022
Steven H. Schutte
(co-recipient)2021
Stephanie L. Kress
2020
Courtney Benson-Kooy
2019
Kathleen Cleary
2018
Victoria B. Casanova
(co-recipient)2018
William W. Gooden
(co-recipient)2017
Michael E. Hunt
2016
Marce Gonzalez Jr.
2015
Michael K. Ausbrook
2014
Gregory L. Fumarolo
2013
Thomas C. Hinesley
2012
Raymond V. Casanova
2011
Lloyd Randolph Turner
2010
Eric K. Koselke
2009
James J. Abbs
2008
Jessie A. Cook
2007
Anthony V. Luber
2006
Steven E. Ripstra
2005
Ann M. Sutton
2004
Monica Foster
2003
Jeffrey D. Stonebraker
2002
Roy L. Dickson
2001
Joseph M. Cleary
2000
Daniel L. Toomey
1999
Robert Brent Zook
1998
Sharon C. Clark
1997
Hope H. Fey
1996
Robert W. Hammerle
Indiana Public Defender Council
Gault Award Recipients
The Gault Award is an annual tribute to a defender who has exhibited exceptional dedication, skill, and professionalism while advocating for indigent juvenile clients, named in honor of the landmark In re Gault case, which solidified the right to legal representation in juvenile delinquency proceedings.
Year
Recipient
2026
Ashlin V. Orr
20262025
Annie Fierek
2024
Shannon O'Toole
2023
Katherine A. Province
2022
Gary W. Sorge
2021
Rachel A. Vilensky
2020
Carl A. Markovich
2019
Joel C. Wieneke
2018
Shannon Howard-Chastain
2017
James Spangler Jr.
2016
Michael C. Ice
2015
Jan B. Berg
2014
Kaarin M. Lueck
2013
No recipient
2012
Robert W. Newell
2011
No recipient
2010
Jill M. Johnson
2009
Amy E. Karozos
2008
Katherine A. Cornelius
2007
Daniel C. Schroeder
2006
Jeffrey D. Galyen
2005
Steven C. Smith
2004
Janice L. Stevens
2003
Jeffery L. Lantz
Indiana Public Defender Council
Zebulon Baird Award Recipients
Every year, IPDC carefully selects a new practitioner in the legal field who exemplifies intelligence, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to service. The Zebulon Baird Award honors a lawyer with fewer than 10 years of experience who mirrors the resolute determination of Zebulon Baird himself — a true advocate for justice and the principles of public defense.
Year
Recipient
2026
Jacob T. Purcell
20262025
Brooke L. Scheurich
2024
Riley Parr
2023
Codi M. Morrison
(co-recipient)2023
Katharine C. Czinke
(co-recipient)Indiana Public Defender Council
Teresa Campbell Staff Award Recipients
Established in 2024, the Teresa Campbell Support Staff Award recognizes a public defender support staff person who demonstrates strong dedication to public defense and high-quality legal support. Named in honor of Teresa Campbell, a longtime IPDC staff member who served public defenders and their staff with warmth, respect, and urgency, this award keeps her memory alive by recognizing others who serve with the same kindness.
Year
Recipient
2026
Tonya Mata
20262025
Janice Glotzbach
2024
Kathy McDowell
Indiana Public Defender Council
Maritza Webb Advocacy in Child Welfare Award
The Maritza Webb Advocacy in Child Welfare Award recognizes public defenders who exhibit vigor, compassion, and critical thinking while protecting the dignity and constitutional rights of families involved in the child welfare system. Named in honor of Maritza Webb, who spent her legal career defending families in CHINS and TPR cases, this award celebrates attorneys who demonstrate exceptional advocacy skills and unwavering dedication to ensuring fair treatment and due process for vulnerable families.
Year
Recipient
2026
No award given — no timely nomination received
2025
Heather Edmands
2025