Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles Director Cam Ward on Monday gave the oath of office to Board Chair Hal Nash. Nash will preside as chair over parole board meetings beginning today.
Gov. Kay Ivey last week announced she selected law enforcement candidate Hal Nash to serve as Chair of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles.
“I’m grateful to Gov. Kay Ivey for her confidence in me and look forward to fulfilling my duties to the people of Alabama,” Nash said. “As a law enforcement officer for more than three decades, I understand the importance of our role to serve and protect the people of Alabama. We will be detailed, diligent and strive to ensure a stronger, safer state through my work with fellow board members and our partnership with the Bureau and its officers in the field.”
Nash most recently served as Chief Corrections Deputy with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. He previously served with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, among other law enforcement agencies. The governor sought to identify a tough-on-crime, fair and pro-law enforcement candidate with leadership experience from the list of nominees. Nash has also held leadership positions in civic organizations, serving as international vice president of the Jaycees, and on various public boards, including as the Chairman of the Chattanooga/Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Board and the Jackson County Hospital Authority.
“Governor Ivey’s appointment of Hal Nash to the Board is a fine choice,” Ward said. “I know with Mr. Nash’s background that he will represent our law enforcement community well. The Bureau functions separately from the Board, but we enjoy cooperation with its members and work to promote the safety of our state’s citizens while providing meaningful paths to reentry into society for formerly incarcerated Alabamians.”
Nash takes over for controversial board chair Leigh Gwathney, who oversaw an era of ship decline in parole approval rates that drew sharp criticism from advocacy groups.
