MATHIAS H. HECK, JR. BECOMES NEW PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL DISTRICT ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION
WHO: The Honorable Mathias H. Heck, Jr., Prosecuting Attorney in Dayton, Montgomery County, OH and President-elect of the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA)
WHAT: Mr. Heck becomes the new President of the NDAA at its annual summer conference taking place, this year, in Santa Fe, NM
WHEN: Monday, July 31 at 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: Eldorado Hotel and Spa, 309 West San Francisco Street, Santa Fe, NM
Mathias (Mat) H. Heck, Jr., will accept the Presidential gavel from Paul A. Logli, the outgoing President of NDAA, and State’s Attorney for Rockford, IL. Mr. Heck will begin his term as NDAA’s President from July 2006 through July 2007. Mr. Heck’s heritage is deeply rooted in prosecution, as he follows the path made by his father, who was also the Prosecuting Attorney in Montgomery County, OH and a long-time member of the NDAA.
According to Heck, “I’m honored to be elected to serve as NDAA’s President. These are daunting times and there are many serious challenges facing prosecutors today, such as recruiting and retaining the best and brightest attorneys. Many of these young men and women start their careers as prosecutors, but find they cannot make enough money to pay their student loans and are forced to move on to law firms or corporations where they find a much more lucrative – but less satisfying – career. I also want to work closely with the National Black Prosecutors Association to attract more minority law school graduates to the field of prosecution and to join with them in addressing issues of mutual concern. I’m committed to working with Members of congress to help pass feasible loan forgiveness legislation and to aid those who become prosecutors and public defenders. Other issues I hope to address during my term as NDAA President include the creation of successful initiatives to combat witness intimidation, and reduce family violence, child abuse, and elder abuse.”
When asked about his 35 years as a prosecutor, Heck said, “I look forward to going to work every day. Few professions offer the opportunity to help crime victims and their families seek justice and hold criminals accountable for their actions. Prosecutors have great responsibilities that make a positive impact upon society. As the people’s attorneys, prosecutors are charged with seeking truth and, to put it simply, doing the “right” thing. That’s a gratifying experience. Prosecutors make the communities they serve better and safer places in which to life, work and raise families. I look forward to building upon the legacy of NDAA Presidents who have served before me and welcome the opportunity to work with our nation’s prosecutors, state and federal legislatures, the Administration, and the media to create effective and innovative programs to reduce crime in America and enhance the role of the prosecutor in our society.”
Mr. Heck is married to Cynthia M. Heck, a judge, and they have two children.
CONTACT: Velva M. Walter
Director, Media Relations NDAA
703-519-1689 – Email: velva.walter@ndaa.org
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