Governor Kay Ivey on Monday announced she had selected Hal Nash as the new chair of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles.
By law, Ivey selected the candidate from a list of five qualified persons nominated by a board consisting of Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) and State Senate Pro-Tem Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman).
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall and law enforcement leaders from across Alabama called on Ivey last week to reappoint Leigh Gwathney as chair of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles. Gwathney's term on the board recently expired, but she was on the list of five candidates submitted to Ivey to be considered for nomination.
However, Ivey decided to go with a new board chair. Nash currently serves as Chief Corrections Deputy with the Jackson County Sheriff's Office.
"In 2019, we amended the law to ensure that the Board of Pardons and Paroles' paramount duty will always be to ensure public safety, and Hal Nash is well-equipped to maintain the Board's effectiveness in performing that task. He has a law enforcement perspective, and he has assured me he will approach each decision fairly and with that top goal in mind, which is to keep the people of Alabama safe," said Ivey. "Since he was a little boy, Mr. Nash dreamed of being in law enforcement, and it was not until age 40, he got his start. However, ever since then, he has been a dedicated member of law enforcement and brings wide-ranging law enforcement and leadership experience to this Board."
Nash has been with the Jackson County Sheriff's Office for the last five years.
"I am humbled by the appointment as Chair of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles by Governor Ivey and look forward to working with the other board members as we serve Alabama in this important public safety role," said Nash. "This is not a position to be taken lightly. While remembering that people can choose to change for the better, this task will require weighing the safety of all the citizens of Alabama first. I pray for the wisdom to recognize both as I strive to serve the very best I can."
Nash has also held leadership positions in civic organizations, serving as international vice president of the Jaycees and on various public boards, including chairman of the Chattanooga/Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Board and the Jackson County Hospital Authority.
"Here in Jackson County, we are proud Hal has been selected as Chair of the Board of Pardons and Paroles," said Jackson County Sheriff Rocky Harnen. "We know Hal has a wealth of experience in law enforcement, both on the enforcement and corrections sides, and we are confident he will do the state of Alabama well."
He also worked as an investigator, narcotics agent, deputy commander and commander under the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office after beginning his Alabama career with the Jackson County Sheriff's Office. While in DeKalb County, he served five years with the United States Marshal Service Fugitive Task Force Huntsville Office.
"I've had the privilege of working with Hal for over two decades and have personal experience with his character, integrity and discernment," said Jackson County District Attorney Jason Pierce. "I am confident that his experiences as a law enforcement officer for multiple jurisdictions as well as working as the Chief Corrections Deputy for the Jackson County Jail gives Hal a unique perspective that well equips him to make the difficult decisions necessary as a member of the Board of Pardons and Paroles. He is an excellent appointment."
The appointment is effective immediately.
"A safe Alabama is our goal, and Hal Nash will help build on public safety successes already achieved so far. I am grateful to outgoing Chair Leigh Gwathney, who has stood firm for public safety. Leigh was an important part of our reform of Pardons and Paroles for the better, and I commend her for serving at the helm and helping make a safer Alabama," Ivey said.
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