On Monday afternoon, Governor Kay Ivey announced that she has selected a law enforcement veteran with decades of experience to be the next Chair of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles.
The state’s top elected official said she has tapped law enforcement candidate Hal Nash, the Chief Corrections Deputy of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, for the position.
“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,” Ivey wrote on Monday.
“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.”
While Nash didn’t begin his career in law enforcement until age 40, Ivey says he is the right man for the job, as evidenced by his leadership since entering the profession.
“Ever since becoming an officer, he has been a dedicated member of law enforcement and brings wide-ranging law enforcement and leadership experience to this Board. A safe Alabama is our goal, and Hal Nash will help build on public safety successes already achieved so far.”
The Governor expressed gratitude for the board’s outgoing Chair, Leigh Gwathey, who Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall and law enforcement leaders across the state wrote in support of last week.
“Leigh Gwathney 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.”
Nash thanked Ivey for her support and assured Alabamians of his full devotion to the position.
“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.”
Jackson County law enforcement officials praised Nash with statements of support.
“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.”
Another official, who has worked with Nash for more than twenty years, spoke of his ‘character, integrity, and discernment.’
“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,” said Jackson County District Attorney Jason Pierce. “He is an excellent appointment.”
Nash 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.
Nash’s experience also includes time with the Chattanooga Police Reserve.
According to Alabama law, the governor selects the candidate from a list of five qualified persons nominated by a board consisting of the Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and President Pro Tempore of the Senate.
The appointment is effective immediately.
Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
