NDAA Committees
NDAA Board Committees
At the National District Attorneys Association, we are committed to fostering leadership, excellence, and innovation within the prosecution profession. Through collaboration, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing, we equip prosecutors at every level with the tools and resources they need to lead with integrity and impact.
We encourage you to explore our leadership initiatives below and join us in collaboratively strengthening the justice system through bold and effective leadership.
Integrity and Access Committee
NDAA’s Integrity and Access Committee initiative is dedicated to fostering inclusive leadership and strengthening the profession by ensuring that prosecutors from all backgrounds have access to the mentorship, guidance, and opportunities needed to excel. By building a stronger, more representative leadership pipeline of prosecutors equipped to handle complex legal challenges, this initiative helps drive innovation and trust within the communities we serve.
Our Purpose
- To support America’s prosecutors in protecting the rights and safety of the people.
- The inclusion of a broad array of perspectives, ideas and skills.
- To help attract, encourage and retain an association membership of outstanding prosecutors who are reflective of the diverse communities they serve.
- To promote excellence in prosecution through an atmosphere of mutual respect in pursuing the truth and equal application of the law.
Committee Co-Chair:
Mark Dupree, District Attorney, Wyandotte County, KS
Committee Co-Chair:
Marcus Montoya, District Attorney, Eighth Judicial District, NM
Spotlight Series Celebrating Legal Pioneers
NDAA celebrates the contributions of prosecutors who have made significant impacts in their communities and the criminal justice system. Our features highlight professionals who exemplify leadership, dedication, and service in the pursuit of justice.
- Eunice Carter: The Trailblazing Prosecutor Who Helped Take Down Lucky Luciano
- Thurgood Marshall’s Journey to Supreme Court Justice
- A Trailblazer in Justice: The Pioneering Journey of Charlotte E. Ray
- Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s Journey from the DA’s Office to the U.S. Supreme Court
- Alberto Gonzales’ Journey from Humble Beginnings to History Maker
- Breaking Barriers: Manuel Ruiz’s Legacy in the Fight for Justice
- Dennis Chávez’s Rise from the Fields of New Mexico to the Halls of Power
Leadership Forum by WPS
NDAA’s Leadership Forum by WPS is a dynamic community that champions professional growth, mentorship, and leadership development for all prosecutors. Through high-impact training, networking events, and strategic discussions, we cultivate leaders who are prepared to navigate the challenges of modern prosecution while upholding the highest standards of justice.
Our Purpose
- To foster an inclusive environment where all prosecutors can thrive, while providing a platform to highlight the contributions and leadership of women in prosecution.
- To provide mentorship, leadership development, and educational resources to support the professional growth of prosecutors and promote an inclusive work environment.
- To assist NDAA in engaging the public and educating stakeholders on key topics that impact the prosecutorial profession, including the role of women in leadership.
Committee Chair:
Summer Stephan, District Attorney, San Diego County, CA
Committee Vice-Chair:
Mary Ashley, Deputy District Attorney, San Bernardino County, CA
Metro District Attorneys
Urban prosecutors face distinct challenges, requiring tailored solutions and strategic collaboration. NDAA’s Metro DA Section brings together leaders from the nation’s largest and most complex jurisdictions to exchange best practices, tackle emerging legal issues, and shape policies that enhance public safety. This section provides a forum for collaboration, ensuring that metro-area prosecutors have the resources and support necessary to lead effectively in high-demand environments.
Our Purpose
- To provide a forum for larger jurisdictions to share best practices, innovative ideas and common strategies on a wide variety of topics.
- To develop a network of peers to address common issues.
- To share lessons learned with counterparts in smaller jurisdictions that may be looking to initiate new programming or initiatives.
Past presentations at Section meetings have included best practices for use of jailhouse informants, policies and procedures for officer-involved shootings, office administration issues when managing a large staff and many more.
Committee Co-Chair:
Spencer Merriweather, District Attorney, Mecklenburg County, NC
Committee Co-Chair:
Kevin Barton, District Attorney, Washington County, OR
Prosecutor Wellbeing Committee
The Prosecutor Wellbeing Committee was created to recognize and respond to the unique challenges prosecutors face in their work every day. From managing heavy caseloads to confronting trauma in the courtroom, the demands of the profession can take a significant toll on mental health, resilience, and overall wellbeing.
Our Purpose
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To develop a network of NDAA members committed to prosecutor wellbeing.
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To provide resources and promote prosecutor wellbeing on a wide range of issues including secondary trauma, burnout, vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and more.
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To assist NDAA in public engagement and education on the challenges that face prosecutors from across the nation and to help make our critical work more sustainable.
Committee Chair:
Lorrin Freeman, District Attorney, Wake County, NC