Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey is appointing Hal Nash to serve as Chair of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles.
In a press release from Ivey’s Office, the Governor notes that she was required by law to make her selection from a list of five candidates who were nominated by the Lieutenant Governor, the House Speaker and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.
Currently serving as Chief Corrections Deputy with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Nash will fill the position as Chair, effective immediately.
“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 said in a statement. “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.”
Nash said in a statement that he looks forward to serving Alabama in his newly appointed role.
“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,” Nash said. “I pray for the wisdom to recognize both as I strive to serve the very best I can.”
During his career in law enforcement, Nash has worked as an investigator and narcotics agent, served as Deputy Commander and Commander under the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, and worked with the United States Marshal Service Fugitive Task Force Huntsville Office.
Jackson County District Attorney Jason Pierce attested to Nash’s character and his ability to carry out his duties with integrity.
“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,” Pierce said.
Ivey replaced Leigh Gwathney, who was known to be the most frequent “no” vote on the Board, often receiving criticism over Alabama’s dropping parole rate and why people weren’t being released despite meeting the state’s own recommendations, according to AL.com.
The Alabama Reflector further reported that Gwathney, who was appointed to the role in 2019, asked Ivey to reappoint her, despite facing backlash from criminal justice reform groups and Alabama lawmakers.
